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Crossrail Bombardier Reveals New Trains for London’s New Elizabeth Line

Crossrail Bombardier Reveals New Trains for London's New Elizabeth Line

Derby-based train manufacturer, Bombardier, has revealed the new Crossrail train that will go out on London’s brand new Elizabeth line.

A total fleet of 66 trains are to be brought in from May next year, when stage one of the Crossrail project will be opened to the public, with a million passengers set to use the new line each day.

Bombardier’s UK factory was given a massive boost by constructing the fleet amid doubts over its future in 2011 when it was an unsuccessful bidder for the multi-billion pound Thameslink contract.

Peter Doolin, Vice President at Bombardier, commented: This project is vitally important to the future of this company.

“Morale was very low [after losing out on Thameslink] so it was important that we acted positively.

The new class 345 trains are set to start their service over ground, between Shenfield in Essex and Liverpool Street in London, prior to the full line opening in 2018.

Inside, the trains are very similar to tube trains, with seats down the side of the carriage and a space down the middle for passengers to walk through.

Bombardier says that the trains will use 30% less electricity because of their lightweight design, while each unit has been constructed in Derby; which has supported 760 jobs and 80- apprenticeships in the process.

Mike Brown, London’s Transport Commissioner, says that the multi-billion pound investment in a new rail line will make a clear statement that business can continue to do well after the Brexit vote.

Brown commented: The key message is, London is still open for business. This demonstrates that we are continuing to support the growth of London for new businesses.

The Class 345 EMUs are part of Bombardier’s Aventra family, with Barber & Osgerby is acting as design adviser.

The full route linking Reading and Heathrow in the west and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via new tunnels under central London is scheduled to open in 2019, and will be called the Elizabeth Line.

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