First of 10 new Elizabeth line Alstom trains enters service

The first of 10 new Elizabeth line trains built by Alstom in Derby has entered service.

The first Class 345 Aventra train, built at the firm’s Litchurch Lane Works, has begun passenger service in London, following an extensive period of testing on the mainline railway by Alstom, Transport for London and the operator GTS.

The new trains, delivered with Government funding, will support increased passenger demand, including at HS2’s Old Oak Common railway station when it opens. 

Nimesh Tailor, project director for ‘Elizabeth line +’ at Alstom, said: “Seeing the first of the additional 10 Elizabeth line units enter passenger service is a special moment for everyone involved at our Derby site – as well as all those across the country involved in their creation.

“I am incredibly proud of what the team in Derby has achieved and know their commitment to deliver the remaining nine trains will continue with the same rigour, passion and dedication.

“This milestone once again demonstrates Derby’s capability to deliver complex and high-quality rolling stock projects that benefit passengers and local economies across the UK and around the world.”

The electric multiple units (EMUs) are being built at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works, with the train manufacturer’s supply chain supporting almost 40 companies across the UK – totalling more than 1,000 employees.

Each nine-carriage Elizabeth line train contains five miles of welding, 50 miles of cabling, and more than 47,700 screws and 31,700 bolts. 

Class 345 Aventra No. 345071 was accepted by the customer on Tuesday 25 August and began passenger service within the same week.

Meanwhile, in the House of Commons last week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised Alstom’s approach to apprenticeships.

Back in July, Mr Burnham visited the Litchurch Lane factory to announce the launch of new technical education routes.

During his visit, he met around 100 current and former apprentices and graduates from Alstom and its supply chain partners.

In the House of Commons, Derby South MP Baggy Shanker posed a question to the Prime Minister about working with industry to increase the rate of apprenticeship starts – citing Alstom as an “excellent example” of young people in good apprenticeships.

In response, Mr Burnham said: “It was brilliant to be at Alstom with my Honourable Friend and to see all the apprentices that it employs, as well as those employed in its supply chain.

“It is a model for what we want to see elsewhere. We need to make a massive change in this area.

“It should be a big part of our response to the Milburn Report, and I can give my Honourable Friend a commitment that that is exactly what I will be seeking to do.”