Rolling stock on track
Later this year we will start to introduce new Class 378 trains on the North London Line section of the network. The new trains will gradually replace the old Class 313 and 508 rolling stock.
Production of the units is well underway at the Bombardier factory in Derby and the first two trains are due to be delivered for testing in June. The first units will undergo a rigorous 15 week night-time checking routine to ensure they can run on the Overground network.
Once the preliminary tests are complete the rest of the fleet we be delivered. Every train will be tested for 2000 miles and, if no faults occur, will be certified for operation. The first trains should be ready for passenger operation by December this year. By January 2009 all 24 trains will be in operation.
LOROL Fleet Director, Peter Daw, said, "The new trains are going to bring many benefits, They will not have inter-connecting doors between carriages and will have 'tube style' seat layout to accommodate more passengers. In fact each train will have 30% more passenger capacity, even though they are the same length as existing units. They will also have faster acceleration and it will be easier for passengers to get on and off - which will reduce time spent in stations.