TfL to tender for more Overground trains

Transport for London (TfL) is seeking manufacturers to supply at least 39 new electric trains to operate on its extended Overground network from 2017.

TfL has published a notice with the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) for a fleet of new four-car trains for West Anglia inner services and the electrified Barking to Gospel Oak route.

London’s transport authority said the new trains will include many of the features, such as walk-through carriages and air conditining, that are standard on the current Bombardier-built Class 378s.

The contract is expected to be announced at the beginning of 2015, with the first trains coming into passenger service from mid 2017.

TfL’s director of rail, Jonathan Fox, said: “We are inviting train manufacturers worldwide to do business with us.

“Our customers have already seen huge improvements to the existing London Overground network and we will be bringing that same expertise and those high standards to a wider group of passengers and regular London commuters.

“Ordering new trains for the Gospel Oak to Barking line and West Anglia route together, as well as including a provision to order more trains should passenger demand warrant additional capacity, ensures that we get best value for money for tax payers.”

In May 2015, TfL will take over West Anglia inner services between Liverpool Street Station, Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford as part of the Overground network.

Thirty of the new trains will replace the current West Anglia stock, which will undergo a deep clean and rebranding. Eight more will go the newly-electrified Gospel Oak to Barking route, with the remaining unit going into service on the Romford to Upminster line.




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