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2001-03-12 c2c-001
c2c
Progress on c2c's new train fleet - 12 March 2001
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Press release
c2c
Progress on c2c's new train fleet - 12 March 2001
date 2c -- 12 March 2001
source c2c
type Press release
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BOSSES at south Essex train operating company, c2c, today announced encouraging progress on work to get their new trains back into service.
The £300-million Electrostar fleet was withdrawn from peak passenger services on the route last October following a series of faults and breakdowns. Engineers from Derby-based manufacturers Adtranz have been busy rectifying the faults and commissioning new software on the high-tech supertrains.
Some of the modified trains have been running in off-peak passenger service while tests continue, to minimise the risk of disrupting the busy commuter services to and from London.
This week, the number of passenger trains in service doubled from two to four, and next week it is hoped these numbers will double again, with eight modified trains running off-peak. Others will be operated with drivers and engineers on board only, for testing, mileage accumulation and driver training runs.
Andrew Chivers, c2c Director and General Manager, said: "We are encouraged by the progress that is now being made. These trains are absolutely superb and it was a huge blow to us when we were left with no choice last year but to withdraw them from peak services because of the ongoing technical teething problems.
"There are always teething problems on new trains - c2c is not the only operator who has suffered however we are encouraged by this progress."
"But the pressure continues on Adtranz. There are daily talks and meetings as we focus on pushing the work through and getting the trains right. Once they are right. they will gradually return to peak service and play their vital role at the forefront of transforming this into one of the best routes in Britain."
Mr Chivers issued Adtranz with an ultimatum in October, saying he refused to accept any more of the Electrostars into Essex until all the faults were fixed. Rather than give Adtranz a deadline date for returning the Class 357 trains to service, he set a "benchmark quality target" that the trains must clock up 10,000 miles without significant software failures or endemic faults before they can be classified suitable to return to peak commuter services.
News of progress comes on the same day that Mr Chivers and other key c2c staff begin meetings with the routes' MPs and local councils to explain in detail what investments and progress are being made on the route. Today he meets Basildon MP Angela Smith at the House of Commons.
Mr Chivers said: "This is part of the continuing process of briefing passengers, politicians and other stakeholders of the progress being made on c2c.
"I will be stressing that c2c is making significant investment in the railway in South Essex to transform the route after years of neglect.
"It is important to understand that this is a big project which will bring huge benefit for our passengers and the local economy, as seen in other parts of the South East where there has been new trains and investment. On c2c the investment and improvement will be total.
"Even in the short-term the operation has improved with the full fleet of old trains returned, as promised, in December and many stations have benefited already from improvements."
Railnews Archive ::: 2001-03-12 c2c-001
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