Chiltern commuters celebrate as brand new trains pull in

Chiltern Railways has today introduced brand new trains into passenger service, the first new commuter trains on the line for 20 years. The class 172 trains have faster acceleration than the trains currently in use and crucially, they are the “cleanest” diesel trains in the country.

These class 172 trains cost approx £2 million each and the company has purchased a total of four two carriage trains. The 172s will run on the Marylebone–High Wycombe line, but all Chiltern Railways passengers will benefit as their introduction frees up capacity and allows Chiltern to add carriages to lengthen some of its busier trains across the network.

Kate Marjoribanks, Engineering Director of Chiltern Railways said: “We are delighted that our new trains have entered service today and as the first new commuter trains for 20 years, we’re thrilled that they are the “cleanest” diesel trains in the country. We’re sure they will be a big hit with our commuters not only with those onboard, but also with those who will benefit from the increased capacity with additional carriages added to their trains.”

Since being awarded the franchise in 1996, Chiltern Railways has invested over £400 million to improve the railway and to ensure stations meet the needs of passengers. Currently, Chiltern Railways is working on a £250 million project to reduce journey times to London by 20%, with no recourse to the taxpayer.

In addition, the company recently spent over £800k to improve their 165 trains – used on the High Wycombe and Aylesbury commuter routes – by giving them a major refresh and have completed an extensive station improvement programme.

The following services will now benefit from extra carriages due to the addition of the 172s to the fleet:

• 0540 Warwick Parkway – Marylebone – now 4 carriages v 3 carriages
• 0606 Aylesbury – Marylebone – now 4 carriages v 3 carriages
• 0626 Aylesbury – Marylebone – now 4 carriages v 3 carriages
• 0721 High Wycombe – Marylebone now 4 carriages v 3 carriages
• 0746 High Wycombe – Marylebone – now 5 carriages v 4 carriages
• 0750 High Wycombe – Marylebone – now 6 carriages (new trains) v 3 carriages
• 0831 High Wycombe – Marylebone – now 4 carriages v 3 carriages
• 1730 Marylebone – Birmingham Snow Hill – now 7 carriages v 6 carriages
• 1809 Marylebone – Bicester North – now 6 carriages (new trains) v 4 carriages
• 1830 Marylebone – Birmingham Moor St – now 5 carriages “intercity style” train v 4 carriages
• 1925 Marylebone – Aylesbury – now 4 carriages v three carriages