The first Class 720/6 EMU has arrived at c2c’s East Ham depot. It is the first Aventra for this operator, owned by Trenitalia. Leasing company Porterbrook will buy the trains and lease them to c2c.
This first unit (720 602) will be used for testing and commissioning:
🎉 Here’s a sneaky peak at one of our brand new trains.
One has arrived at our depot from the factory today, this 720 will be used for training and will be coming into passenger service later in the year.
Keep your eyes peeled, you may just see it out and about! pic.twitter.com/qDo7xmVzZ7
— c2c Rail (@c2c_Rail) April 19, 2022
The original contract, awarded in 2017 (!), comprised six ten-car trains, but over time the contract was changed to twelve five-car trains (also sixty cars). The project is facing delays. Earlier, the Summer of 2021 was the deadline for commissioning.
Alstom (formerly Bombardier) is building the 720/6s in Derby. They will join the existing Bombardier Electrostar fleet on the c2c network, which comprises services on the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway line, from London Fenchurch Street to the northern Thames Gateway area of southern Essex.
Related posts:
[UK / Expert] Bombardier wins rolling stock and maintenance contracts for c2c franchise
[UK] c2c’s first Class 720 train enters passenger service [video]
[UK / Expert] The Bombardier Aventra – a general update on all projects [updated]
[UK / Expert] This is the Bombardier Aventra for South Western Railway
