UK: The last two of 54 Class 710 Aventra electric multiple-units have entered service with London Overground, the operator has announced.
Bombardier Transportation’s Derby plant supplied 45 of the 120 km/h Class 710 EMUs under a contract awarded in mid-2015 and further a nine ordered in December 2017.
The entry into service of the final sets on the suburban routes from London Liverpool Street to Chingford, Cheshunt and Enfield Town has enabled London Overground to withdraw its Class 315 EMUs dating from 1980-81.
‘Customers using these routes will benefit from a more reliable service now these new trains have been introduced’, said Rory O’Neill, Transport for London’s General Manager for London Overground, on November 6. ‘Replacing the oldest trains on the London Overground, these new trains will provide customer a number of benefits including increased capacity, free wi-fi, USB charging points and improved accessibility.’
After delays to delivery, the first Class 710s entered passenger service in May 2019. The fleet now comprises 30 four-car sets for 25 kV 50 Hz operation from London Liverpool Street and on the Romford – Upminster branch, plus 18 four-car and six five-car dual-system units with 750 V DC capability for use on the Gospel Oak – Barking, North London Line and Watford Junction – London Euston routes.
