British Rail Class 710 Aventra Fleet (London Overground)
UK (London Overground network; Lea Valley Lines, Gospel Oak to Barking Line, Watford DC Line, Romford–Upminster Line) · 2015 (contract), 2017–2020 (built), 2019 (first service) · £260 million (for 45 units, 2015 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe decision to procure new EMUs was a response to overcrowding on existing services and the electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking line, highlighting the need for capacity enhancement and modernization. - The delays in commissioning underscore the complexities of introducing new train fleets, particularly with advanced software and diverse operational requirements. - The incident at Enfield Town, where a train ran through buffers, highlighted critical safety concerns related to driver fatigue and operational procedures. - The increase in the planned procurement from 39 to 54 units, including 5-car units, demonstrates a flexible approach to meeting growing passenger demand and optimizing fleet deployment across different lines.
Key engineering challenges
Addressing significant delays in introduction due to testing issues and software problems. - Designing units for specific London Overground lines, including AC-only and dual-voltage variants for different electrification systems. - Ensuring high capacity for crowded London suburban routes with all-longitudinal seating. - Managing the integration of new rolling stock into a complex urban rail network.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Transport for London (TfL)
- Lead contractor
- Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom)
- Lead designers
- Bombardier Transportation (Aventra platform)
- Project type
- new build; vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 54 units (30 x 4-car AC-only, 18 x 4-car dual-voltage, 6 x 5-car dual-voltage); 4-car length: 82.87 m; 5-car length: 102.86 m; Max speed: 75 mph (121 km/h); Capacity: 189 seats + 489 standees (4-car), 241 seats + 641 standees (5-car)
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards; The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011
Sources: British Rail Class 710 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_710) - Transport for London: New London Overground electric trains enter service (https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/may/new-london-overground-electric-trains-enter-service) - Modern Railways: Class 710 service imminent (https://www.modernrailways.com/article/class-710-service-imminent)