South Western Railway (SWR) customers are now benefiting from the re-introduction of refurbished ‘Class 442’ trains.
Four 10-car Class 442s have been running on the London to Portsmouth & London to Poole routes since the new year, with customers benefiting from more spacious ‘2+2 seating’ and modern facilities.
The trains have refurbished interiors including quality Axminster carpets, at-seat power for mobile devices and real-time passenger information displays. Additional benefits for First Class customers include new leather seats and tables. The environmental benefits also extend to the vehicle interiors with the installation of LED lighting. Wi-Fi is provided throughout and there are universal accessible toilets and seating facilities for disabled passengers.
The trains have refurbished interiors including quality Axminster carpets, at-seat power for mobile devices and real-time passenger information displays. Additional benefits for First Class customers include new leather seats and tables. The environmental benefits also extend to the vehicle interiors with the installation of LED lighting. Wi-Fi is provided throughout and there are universal accessible toilets and seating facilities for disabled passengers.
The trains were re-furbished and introduced into service but had to be withdrawn again due to safety issues. Initially there were problems with the door locking system and then they were found to interfere with signals at Earlsfield (north of Wimbledon). The trains caused the track circuits to break which changed signals to red, requiring the driver to stop.
Neil Drury, Engineering Director for SWR, said:
“We’re really pleased that these refurbished trains are now in passenger service. We’ve already had positive feedback about the extra space provided with the 2+2 seating configuration and other benefits such as Wi-Fi, LED lighting and real-time passenger info systems. Passengers will also notice the high quality of the refurbished interiors, including Axminster carpets and reupholstered seats. We’re proud of the fact the works have been undertaken at Eastleigh and Bournemouth depots. This has meant investment in local facilities across the South Western network, helping to boost the economy and secures jobs for people living in the communities we serve.We will look to introduce all of the Class 442s in the fleet back in to service as soon as possible".
Neil Drury, Engineering Director for SWR, said:
“We’re really pleased that these refurbished trains are now in passenger service. We’ve already had positive feedback about the extra space provided with the 2+2 seating configuration and other benefits such as Wi-Fi, LED lighting and real-time passenger info systems. Passengers will also notice the high quality of the refurbished interiors, including Axminster carpets and reupholstered seats. We’re proud of the fact the works have been undertaken at Eastleigh and Bournemouth depots. This has meant investment in local facilities across the South Western network, helping to boost the economy and secures jobs for people living in the communities we serve.We will look to introduce all of the Class 442s in the fleet back in to service as soon as possible".