New trains rollout complete

Train Operating Company Greater Anglia have completed the rollout of new trains across their network, with all servies replaced by brand new Class 720 Aventra trains.

The new trains replace the ageing Class 317 unit that had been running from Hertford East for almost 40 years. The last old train ran at the end of July.

All of Greater Anglia’s new trains are longer with more seats, air conditioning, plug and USB points, fast free wifi, and improved accessibility features including an accessible toilet on every train.

There are also dedicated cycle spaces on each new train and better passenger information including screens which show which part of the train have more seats available.

The milestone comes as the platforms at Hertford East ae extended to make them long enough for the new ten-carriage trains, with a 17-day period of intensive works taking place between Saturday 13th and Monday 29th August.

Once complete, services on the busy Hertford East line will see a significant increase in seating capacity.

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: "We're really pleased to reach this major milestone in the transformation of our train fleet to one comprising all new trains.

"Our West Anglia passengers now have new trains on every service, offering a much better and more comfortable travelling environment. They also enable us to deliver a more punctual, reliable, consistent and resilient service.

"It was always our aim to provide a real, positive step change in service quality for our customers and communities. That is now a reality for all our West Anglia, Stansted Express, intercity and regional customers and most travellers using our Great Eastern routes too.

"As we complete this £1.4 billion investment programme over the next year, we are making rail a high quality, reliable and convenient travel option for our region, as we recover from the pandemic and play our full part in meeting carbon reduction and net zero targets."