Class 707 Desiro City: SWR Fleet Upgrade – Rail Capacity Boost

In 2017, Siemens Mobility delivered the final Class 707 Desiro City train, increasing South Western Railway’s capacity by 13% and enhancing the commuter experience.

Class 707 Desiro City: SWR Fleet Upgrade – Rail Capacity Boost
December 25, 2016 11:47 pm
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Introduction

In 2017, Siemens Mobility completed the delivery of the last of the 115 Class 707 Desiro City train for South Western Railway (SWR), marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the rail fleet.

Fleet Delivery Completion

The final Class 707 Desiro City train was handed over to SWR in 2017. The trains were designed to increase capacity on the busy routes into London, offering a total of 56,000 seats across the entire fleet. The introduction of the Class 707 trains allowed for a 13% increase in capacity on the routes they served.

Train Specifications and Features

Each five-car train has a length of 104 meters and can accommodate 433 seated passengers. Key features include improved accessibility, with wider doorways and enhanced passenger information systems. The trains are also equipped with regenerative braking, contributing to energy efficiency. In 2017, the trains were initially deployed on suburban routes, including those from London Waterloo to Windsor, Reading, and Hounslow.

Impact and Operational Performance

The introduction of the Class 707 trains has had a positive impact on passenger capacity and comfort. SWR reported improved on-time performance and reduced overcrowding on peak services. The trains have contributed to a more modern and reliable service for commuters and other passengers. The total investment for the project was approximately £210 million.

Future Developments

The Class 707 trains are expected to remain in service for many years, providing a vital transport link for the region. SWR continues to focus on further enhancements to its services, including infrastructure upgrades and the integration of new technologies to improve the overall passenger experience. You might be interested in:

Last June 2018, we published an article about upgrading rail fleets for enhanced safety and efficiency. Click here to read – Alstom’s SBB Astoro ETCS Upgrade: High-Speed Rail Advancements

Conclusion

The delivery of the final Class 707 Desiro City train in 2017 marked the completion of a major fleet upgrade for South Western Railway, enhancing capacity and passenger experience on key commuter routes.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Delivered 115 Class 707 Desiro City trains to South Western Railway.

South Western Railway (SWR): Received the Class 707 Desiro City trains, increasing capacity and improving service on its routes.

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