TfL unveils flash new London Overground trains

Transport for London took the wraps off its posh new London Overground trains on Wednesday, ahead of their anticipated entry into service on the suburban rail service in November.

The new Class 710 trains, built by Canadian firm Bombardier at its Derby works, will feature intelligent lighting and temperature control for more comfortable journeys, as well as Wi-Fi, USB charging points and digital information screens.

The fleet, which will total 54 new air-conditioned trains once fully in service, will be rolled out initially on the newly-electrified Gospel Oak to Barking line (GOBLIN).

TfL said the number of people using the GOBLIN had grown exponentially since it became integrated into the TfL network, with the new electric trains to have four coaches each, doubling the capacity of the current diesel stock.

The trains are based on Bombardier’s ‘Aventra’ platform, which is also being used for new trains on TfL’s Elizabeth line - the service name for the Crossrail route - as well as for Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, West Midlands Trains and c2c on the National Rail network.

“Our new state-of-the-art British built London Overground trains will be an exciting addition to London’s transport network and help boost capacity on some of the most busy and popular lines,” said TfL director of rail and sponsored services Jonathan Fox.

“We are very keen to see them introduced into service as soon as possible so our patient customers can benefit from the fully air-conditioned, walk-through trains with handy USB charging points and real-time passenger information screens.

“Over the summer, the new trains will undergo final rigorous testing and drivers will complete extensive training. We are now planning for the first trains to enter passenger service on the Gospel Oak to Barking route by November.”