New Derby-built train fleet enters service

Aventra 1. Photo: Ian Nightingale

A new British-built train fleet designed to carry millions of passengers to and from London Euston every year entered service earlier this week for London Northwestern Railway. The electric Class 730/2 fleet is made up of 36 five-carriage trains — a total of 180 new carriages — bringing an overall 20% uplift in capacity. Featuring open gangways, charging points at every seat and intelligent air conditioning, these modern trains are designed to improve the passenger experience.

Built in the UK by Alstom at its Derby factory, the trains will initially be rolled out between Northampton and London Euston, calling at Milton Keynes Central, Tring and Watford Junction. Later this year, the fleet will enter service on the Trent Valley line between Crewe and Euston, calling at stations including Lichfield Trent Valley, Nuneaton and Rugby.

Rob Whyte, Alstom UK’s UK and Ireland managing director, said: “We are all incredibly proud to see the Class 730/2 fleet enter service. These ‘state of the art’ trains represent a major step forward in sustainable, high-capacity rail travel and are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams. This milestone reinforces Alstom’s commitment to delivering innovation that transforms the passenger experience and supports the future of British railways.”

Part of the Aventra family of electric multiple-unit trains, Alstom has produced 2,660 cars at its historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works for customers across the UK since 2015 – making it the largest train manufacturing programme in a generation.

Grand launch event
The first Class 730/2 in passenger service was the 16:19 departure from London Euston to Northampton on 9 June, operated by units 730213 and 730233. The train’s entry into service follows a grand launch event at Euston on 6 June, attended by Rob Whyte, alongside Alstom’s Andy Butters, UK and Ireland rolling stock and components managing director; Peter Broadley, UK and Ireland commercial director; and Adrian Grigg, customer director.

Ian McConnell, managing director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “Our fantastic Class 730/2 fleet is the cornerstone of our £1 billion investment into the railway. They will make a real difference, bringing more capacity and modern features to the millions of commuters and leisure travellers who use our services to and from London each year. We are excited to bring these new electric trains onto our network, with the whole fleet expected to be rolled out by the end of 2026.”

A five-car Class 730/2 has 406 seats, significantly more than the average of 233 seats on the Class 350 trains it replaces. Many of the Class 730/2s will operate in pairs, providing 812 seats across 10 carriages – more than an average 12-carriage Class 350.

London Northwestern Railway is part of West Midlands Trains, a train operating company that also runs West Midlands Railway services. The Class730/2 launch follows the successful rollout of the three-carriage Derby-built Class 730/0s across the West Midlands Railway network. These trains are in service on the popular Cross-City Line in Birmingham, between Wolverhampton and Walsall, and between Rugeley and Birmingham International.