Published on: Wednesday, 6 November 2019
Last updated: Wednesday, 6 November 2019
Greater Anglia’s new longer trains have now started to enter service on the Bittern Line between Norwich and North Walsham, Cromer and Sheringham and all stations in between
The first new train on the route was the 7.15am service from Norwich to Sheringham today (Wednesday 6 November), returning from Sheringham at 8.22am. More of the new trains will be phased in on the line before the end of the year.
Brand new three and four carriage trains are replacing the existing one, two or three carriage trains which currently run on the route.
Made by Swiss manufacturer, Stadler, they are powered by diesel and electricity, and are much greener than the existing diesel trains, with lower emissions, and modern brakes which release less brake dust into the environment.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We’re delighted to introduce new trains on another of our routes – and we’re sure customers on the Bittern line will appreciate longer trains with all mod cons.
“This line is important for people travelling for work, business and also leisure, so we’re confident our new trains will have a positive impact on the local economy, providing more capacity for the busy summer season and special events – as well as greatly improving our customers’ journeys with us.”
A formal launch to celebrate new trains going into service on the Sheringham route is being planned.
Martino Celeghini, project manager at Stadler, said: “We are pleased to see the bi-modes gradually being introduced into passenger service. These trains can switch easily from diesel to electric mode. They are innovative, environmentally-friendly, relying on state-of-the-art diesel-electric technology. At a time when we are all ever more aware of the threats posed by climate change, I am sure that customers will appreciate their environmental credentials.”
Greater Anglia is replacing every single train on its network with brand new trains. The roll-out started in July this year on regional routes.
New trains are now in service on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Cambridge and Sheringham lines.
The train company is getting 58 trains from Stadler, including 38 bi-mode trains and 20 electric trains – ten for the intercity route between Norwich and London and ten for the Stansted Express route.
Safety and performance tests are being carried out on the Stadler electric trains on both the Norwich - London and Stansted Airport - London routes.
A further 111 trains are being made by UK train manufacturer Bombardier, who have now made over 20 of Greater Anglia’s new electric commuter trains which will run on routes between Liverpool Street and Essex, Ipswich, Cambridge and Hertfordshire.
The bi-mode trains are part of a £600m investment in new Stadler trains for the region which have been financed by Rock Rail East Anglia and will be leased to Greater Anglia for the life of the franchise.