Derby-built train fleet carries 12 million passengers in first year

A fleet of trains built in Derby by Alstom has carried more than 12 million passengers in its first full year of operation.

The fleet of Aventra trains, built for West Midlands Railway at the firm’s Litchurch Lane Works, has achieved the landmark in its first 12 months operating on Birmingham’s Cross-City Line.

Passengers on the line, which connects Lichfield to Bromsgrove and Redditch via Birmingham, first boarded the new Class 730/0 electric train fleet in March 2024, with the full rollout officially completed on 26 September 2024.

In their first year, the new trains have proven popular with commuters and leisure travellers alike, with more than a million journeys made every month.

West Midlands Railway reported a 19% rise in customer satisfaction on the route since they entered service, citing their spacious carriages, intelligent air conditioning and modern features as factors behind the uplift.

Andy Butters, managing director at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works, said: “We are proud to see the Class 730/0 fleet making such a meaningful impact on the Cross-City Line, with over 12 million passenger journeys in its first year.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams at Alstom and our commitment to delivering sustainable, reliable and comfortable rolling stock for the UK rail network and around the world.”

West Midlands Railway’s new trains are part of Alstom’s Aventra line-up, the biggest train manufacturing programme in a generation.

In total, Alstom has produced 2,660 electric multiple unit Aventra cars for the Elizabeth line, London Overground, Greater Anglia, c2c, South Western Railway and West Midlands Trains (which incorporates West Midlands Railway) since 2015.

The rollout of the new West Midlands Railway trains was recognised at the prestigious National Rail Awards in London last month, where the operator won Fleet Achievement of the Year.

Mr Butters said: “The recognition at the National Rail Awards is a testament to the collaborative effort behind this achievement, and we look forward to continuing our support for West Midlands Railway as they continue to enhance passenger experience across the region.”