Elizabeth Line Expansion: Alstom Derby & UK Rail Growth

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Introduction

Construction has commenced on ten new Class 345 trains at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby to enhance capacity on London’s Elizabeth line, supported by over £220 million in government funding.

Project Scope and Funding

The new Class 345 Aventra trains, funded with over £220 million from the Government, are being built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby. This project aims to meet rising passenger demand and support the UK Government’s growth agenda.

Impact and Benefits

Since its opening in 2022, the Elizabeth line has become the UK’s busiest railway service, with an average of 800,000 journeys daily. The new trains will allow Transport for London (TfL) to increase capacity and connect with HS2’s new Old Oak Common station in the future. The project supports over 1,000 skilled jobs and ensures London’s transport network keeps pace with growing demand.

Economic and Operational Details

The project involves almost 40 UK companies and supports over 1,000 jobs. TfL has spent over £12 billion with over 3,000 UK suppliers in the last two years. The Elizabeth line has led to an additional 71,000 trips across London’s transport network each weekday. All Elizabeth line stations between Paddington and Woolwich offer step-free access from street to train, and all other stations have step-free access from street to platform.

Industry and Future Developments

As of October 2024, 70,500 housing units are planned within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations. Between 2022 and 2023, 125,000 new jobs were registered near stations. The ten new trains will join the existing 70 nine-car fleet maintained 24/7 by Alstom at Old Oak Common Depot in West London.

Conclusion

The construction of ten new Class 345 trains at Alstom Derby is underway to expand the Elizabeth line, supported by government funding and creating over 1,000 jobs. The project aims to increase capacity, support economic growth, and improve transport accessibility.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom’s Derby site has been building trains since 1839 and is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories.

Time 24: Time 24 is awarded the contract to provide the wiring for the ten new nine-car Aventra trains Alstom are manufacturing in Derby for Transport for London.

Transport for London (TfL): TfL has spent more than £12 billion with over 3,000 UK suppliers over the last two years.

Technology

Class 345 Aventra trains: These trains will help meet rising passenger demand on the Elizabeth line.

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