Derby built trains start operating London services

A brand-new train fleet built by Alstom in Derby, which will carry millions of passengers to and from London every year, has now entered service.

The electric Class 730/2 London Northwestern Railway fleet, which is made up of 36 five-carriage trains, has started transporting passengers to and from London Euston railway station.

Designed and built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works, the fleet will initially be rolled out between Northampton and London Euston, calling at busy stations including 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, UK and Ireland managing director at Alstom, said: “We are all incredibly proud to see the Class 730/2 fleet – designed and built right here in the UK at our Derby facility – 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 rail.”

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

The London Northwestern Railway order comprises a total of 180 new carriages – bringing an overall 20% uplift in capacity on routes to and from London Euston.

Earlier this month, a grand launch was held at Euston, which was attended by Mr 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, which is part of West Midlands Trains, 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.”