British Rail Class 717 Desiro City Fleet
UK (Great Northern network; Moorgate, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, Stevenage, Letchworth) · 2015 (order), 2018 (built), 2019 (first service) · £200 million (estimated, 2016 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe decision to procure a new fleet specifically for the Moorgate services highlights the need for tailored rolling stock to meet unique operational requirements (e.g., tunnel evacuation). - The successful testing and implementation of ETCS on the Class 717 fleet demonstrates a commitment to modernizing signalling systems and improving operational efficiency and safety. - The focus on lighter, more energy-efficient trains (20% lighter than predecessors) reflects a broader trend towards sustainable rail operations. - The gradual introduction of the fleet, with a preview service and phased rollout, allowed for thorough testing and adaptation.
Key engineering challenges
Designing trains with fold-down emergency doors for safe evacuation in deep-level Northern City Line tunnels. - Integrating European Train Control System (ETCS) for operation on the Northern City Line and East Coast Digital Programme. - Replacing 40-year-old Class 313 units while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Rock Rail (owner); Great Northern (operator, part of Govia Thameslink Railway)
- Lead contractor
- Siemens Mobility
- Lead designers
- Siemens Mobility (Desiro City platform)
- Project type
- new build; vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 25 units (6 cars per unit); Train length: 121.7 m; Max speed: 85 mph (137 km/h); Capacity: 362 seats; Power output: 1,200 kW
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards; European Train Control System (ETCS)
Sources: British Rail Class 717 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_717) - Siemens Mobility: Desiro City Class 717 Electrical Multiple Units for Govia Thameslink Railway (https://assets.new.siemens.com/siemens/assets/api/uuid:f3fefc372beb2112fe20b2704888468d2157dc27/db-desiro-city-moorgate-en.pdf) - Railway Gazette International: Siemens selected to supply Moorgate suburban EMU fleet (https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/siemens-selected-to-supply-moorgate-suburban-emu-fleet.html)