First Stadler FLIRT train receives approval to enter UK service

The British railway regulatory authority, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has granted Stadler approval for the 24 four-car bimodal FLIRT (BMU) for Greater Anglia. For Stadler, this is an important milestone in the project. It is the first FLIRT in the UK to receive an authorisation for placing the train into service (APIS). The test runs with the train for use in the UK only began at the beginning of 2019. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between Greater Anglia, Abellio, Rock Rail, Stadler and the authorities, the approval was obtained in record time.

The end-to-end low-floor trains are now undergoing the remainder of the testing and commissioning programme which needs to be completed before the trains can enter passenger service later this summer.

Meanwhile, the train type approval for the 14 three-car bimodal FLIRT (BMU) and the 20 twelve-car electric FLIRT (EMU) is expected towards the end of summer 2019.

Faster and more comfortable rail travel in East Anglia

Stadler is manufacturing 58 new trains, to be leased to Greater Anglia and financed by Rock Rail East Anglia, a joint venture between Rock Rail, Aberdeen Standard Investments and GLIL Infrastructure. The Swiss rail manufacturer will also be responsible for maintaining these units at Crown Point depot in Norwich. This contract, awarded in 2016, sees Stadler build and deliver 14 class 755/3 three-car and 24 class 755/4 four-car BMUs, ten 12-car class 745/0 EMUs and 10 12-car class 745/1 EMUs. The new fleet will replace Greater Anglia’s existing Intercity, rural and Stansted Express trains.

With 20 per cent more seats, which have been designed to be as comfortable as possible, trains will feature low flooring to make them accessible for people in wheelchairs and with pushchairs. Windows will be bigger and ‘picture style’ to improve the passenger experience and create a more airy and spacious feel.

Mobile phone reception will be better and plug and USB sockets will be installed at every seat. Wi-Fi will be free and faster than previously. All trains will be fully air-conditioned and have disabled toilets and bicycle spaces.