Preview ‘feature-packed, eye-catching machines’
Designs released to show how Crossrail’s trains will look
TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has released drawings showing how its new Crossrail trains will look when they enter service in May 2017.
Crossrail will update the current Reading to Paddington line, which stops at West Drayton, Hayes & Harlington, Southall, Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Main Line.
When fully open in 2019, Crossrail will join these stations to destinations such as Canary Wharf, Stratford and Heathrow Airport.
Carrying 200 million customers a year, Crossrail will mean more frequent and reliable journeys and support more homes and jobs across London and the South East, say TfL.
The new trains are being built by Bombardier Transportation’s UK factory in Derby, supporting 760 jobs and 80 apprenticeships.
Each train is expected to accommodate up to 1,500 customers over nine walk-through carriages, each one at more than 200 metres long – making it over one and a half times longer than the longest Tube train.
Constructed using strong, but lightweight materials and will regenerate electricity back into the power supply when braking to use up to 30 per cent less energy, as well as delivering faster journey times than the old trains they will replace between Liverpool Street and Shenfield.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “It’s fantastic to think that these sleek new trains will soon be transporting millions of people across our great city and beyond.
“They’re featurepacked, eye-catching machines that showcase the best of British design and engineering.
“They’ll add vital capacity to our rail network and will help to ensure our economy continues its onward journey full-steam ahead.
“The largest construction project in Europe is another tantalising step closer to becoming a brand new working railway for the Capital.”
Customers can benefit from free wifi on board as well as 4G Internet on platforms and there will be four dedicated wheelchair spaces on each train.
Howard Smith, TfL’s Operations Director of Crossrail, said: “Crossrail will help us serve London’s growing population and support more jobs and homes, with around 200 million customers expected to travel on Crossrail each year.”
All platforms and trains across the Crossrail network will be will have disabled friendly step-free access and manual boarding ramps.