Project Profile: Class 730 Aventra Fleet Modernisation

The West Midlands Trains fleet modernisation project involves the strategic introduction of the Class 730 Aventra Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) to enhance capacity and service quality on critical UK rail corridors. This profile details the technical specifications of the rolling stock, the £1 billion investment in associated infrastructure, and the operational objectives for the West Midlands and West Coast Main Line networks.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the deployment of 81 Alstom-built Class 730 Aventra EMUs, divided into two distinct sub-fleets engineered for specific operational demands. The first sub-fleet comprises 36 three-car units (Class 730/0) designed for high-capacity metro-style services on the West Midlands Railway’s Cross-City Line. These units are configured for frequent stopping patterns and rapid passenger exchange, with a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The second sub-fleet consists of 45 five-car units (Class 730/1 & 730/2) for London Northwestern Railway’s long-distance services on the West Coast Main Line, featuring a higher top speed of 177 km/h to meet mainline timetable requirements.

Supporting this new fleet required significant infrastructure investment, centered on the construction of a purpose-built maintenance depot at Bescot, Wednesbury. This facility is engineered to handle the specific servicing requirements of the Aventra platform, optimising fleet availability and reliability. The £1 billion investment from West Midlands Trains covered the procurement of the Class 730 fleet alongside other rolling stock and the full construction and commissioning of the Bescot depot, ensuring an integrated approach to modernisation.

Key Takeaways

• Route-Specific Fleet Design: The deployment of two distinct train configurations (3-car metro and 5-car mainline) demonstrates a targeted strategy to optimize performance, capacity, and efficiency based on specific route characteristics.
• Integrated Infrastructure Investment: The project’s success is underpinned by the concurrent development of essential maintenance infrastructure, such as the Bescot depot, ensuring long-term fleet reliability and operational efficiency.
• Significant Capacity and Passenger Uplift: The replacement of legacy rolling stock with the high-capacity Aventra units directly addresses network congestion, providing a substantial increase in seating and standing room while enhancing passenger amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets.

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