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-gated at launchThe 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/)