Greater Anglia Class 745 FLIRT Electric Multiple Unit Fleet
UK (East Anglia; London Liverpool Street, Norwich, Stansted Airport) · 2018–2020 (built), 2020 (first service) · Part of a larger order for new rolling stock for the East Anglia franchise (total value not specified for Class 745 alone).
The judgement call
Account action unavailableThe commitment to replace all existing rolling stock as part of the East Anglia franchise agreement demonstrated a strategic investment in modernizing regional rail services. - The division into two sub-classes (745/0 for inter-city, 745/1 for Stansted Express) allowed for tailored interior configurations to suit different service requirements. - The use of Jacobs bogies for paired vehicles, with conventional couplings between pairs, was a design decision to manage energy absorption in case of collision, highlighting a focus on safety. - The initial delays in commissioning due to software integration issues (passenger information systems) underscore the complexities of introducing new, technologically advanced rolling stock.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and building 12-car electric multiple units to replace older locomotive-hauled Mark 3 carriages and Class 379 EMUs, enhancing capacity and passenger experience. - Integrating modern passenger amenities such as USB/plug points, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and real-time passenger information systems. - Ensuring the FLIRT platform, typically known for shorter formations, could be adapted for longer 12-car units while meeting safety and operational requirements. - Overcoming delays in fitting passenger information systems, which required derogations for older rolling stock to remain in service.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Rock Rail (owner); Greater Anglia (operator)
- Lead contractor
- Stadler Rail
- Lead designers
- Stadler Rail
- Project type
- new build; vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 20 units (12 cars per unit); Train length: 236.6 m; Max speed: 100 mph (160 km/h); Capacity: 704 seats (745/0) / 722 seats (745/1); Power output: 5,200 kW
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards; TSI CCS 2016/919/EU
Sources: British Rail Class 745 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_745) - Stadler Rail: Electric Multiple Unit - FLIRT for Greater Anglia (https://www.stadlerrail.com/media/uploads/Stadler_FLIRT_GA_EN.pdf) - Rail Engineer: New Trains in a Pandemic (https://www.railengineer.co.uk/new-trains-in-a-pandemic/)