East London sees new Class 720 Aventra trains running on c2c network
Image courtesy c2c
Rail operator c2c has today seen new trains formally rolled out into passenger service in east London and Essex.
Class 720 trains will supplement existing stock and join sister Aventra trains in service with Greater Anglia, London Overground and the Elizabeth line.
South Western Railways also have them on order but a torturous process has seen many problems with no introduction four years after they were due to enter service.
A total of 12 5-car trains were ordered for use on c2c back in 2017. Here’s a promo video from the rail company.
They do have a tight 3×2 seat configuration in places which could well be to allow the DfT to say x amount of extra seats regardless of whether that’s very comfortable.
There’s been some complaints that the narrow aisle left due to that configuration make sit difficult to walk through busy trains in between rows of seats.
Greater Anglia’s stock has similar and I’ve had few problems, though granted that’s not at high peak times.
The new trains also have now expected walk-through carriages and plug sockets.
I have been on the new c2c Class 720/6 Aventra trains and I quite like them. It’s nice to see them in service. Trenitalia c2c should start refurbishing the 74 Class 357 Electrostar units that were built between 1998-2000 and 2001-2002. And the Class 357 trains are so reliable and maintenance very well.