In Southwest England, Arterio Trains were launched to improve passenger convenience and ensure a better travel experience. British railway operator SWR introduced a fleet of 90 advanced trains. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Features of Arterio Trains
Among the 90 trains, 60 consist of ten carriages, while the rest have five. Built on the Aventra platform, the new trains cost the company £1 billion. They will replace outdated Class 455 trains, significantly increasing passenger capacity on key routes.
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The maximum speed of the Arterio Trains reaches 160 km/h, reducing travel times considerably. Ten-carriage trains accommodate 556 passengers, whereas five-carriage trains hold 274. These advancements ensure a more comfortable journey for everyone.
Challenges and Solutions During Arterio Train Launch
The Arterio project began in 2017 but faced multiple challenges during implementation. Initial plans aimed to launch the trains in 2019; however, delays occurred.
The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a major cause for postponing the introduction of the trains. Additionally, technical issues further delayed the project’s timeline.
During the transfer of trains to SWR, software errors were identified, causing operational setbacks. Problems with door sensors, windshield wipers, and driver cabin mechanisms were also reported.
Alstom worked quickly to address these defects, ensuring passenger safety and reliability. Despite these obstacles, the project was successfully completed, and the trains are now operational.
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