Class 720s in service

Bombardier Class 720 Aventras finally enter traffic with Greater Anglia - more than 20 months later than planned.

MORE than 20 months later than planned, Class 720 Aventras entered traffic with Greater Anglia on November 26.

Five-car 720515/517, running as a pair, formed the 1610 Southend Victoria-London Liverpool Street and 1725 return. They repeated the journey the following day, while 720511/536 were used on the next two days.

Abellio had originally ordered 89 five-car and 22 ten-car Class 720s from Bombardier in 2016, with the first due into traffic in March 2019 and all 111 due in service by April this year.

However, GA currently has just six Class 720s accepted, from a revised order of 133 trains. As with the London Overground ‘710s’, software issues delayed their introduction.

Bombardier has recently increased its production rate at its Derby Litchurch Lane factory, while testing has also increased on the West Coast Main Line from Crewe and Wembley, in addition to those already based at Wolverton Works. GA now expects the final trains to enter traffic in 2022.

In September, GA changed the order to replace the 22 ten-car ‘720s’ with 44 five-car sets ( RAIL 916). This improves flexibility while retaining the same number of vehicles.

“All through the pandemic, our teams have been working hard to carry out safety and performance tests on these trains, in partnership with Bombardier,” said GA Franchise and Programmes Director Ian McConnell.

“At the same time, we’ve been training our staff and getting stations ready for these new trains. We’re confident these new trains will improve our customers’ journeys, as they are longer with more seats and all the mod-cons modern passengers expect.”

The new trains feature USB and plug points, fast and free WiFi, air-conditioning, improved accessibility including a disabled toilet on every train, better passenger information screens and dedicated cycle spaces. They are also the first in the UK with underfloor heating. They also have regenerative braking.

“We have worked really closely with Greater Anglia to ensure that the production, testing and delivery of the new trains has continued despite the continuing impact of COVID-19,” said Bombardier President UK & Ireland

Matt Byrne.

Angel Trains is financing the £900 million fleet. Chief Executive Malcolm Brown said: “The Class 720s entering service is a huge milestone. As a leading investor in sustainable rolling stock, we’re proud to have supported Greater Anglia throughout this transformative project.

“Replacing the current suburban fleet, these vehicles will go a long way towards enhancing the rail