TfL begins search for supplier to provide new trains on new and existing London Overground routes

Transport for London (TfL) today began its search to find potential suppliers to provide a fleet of at least 39 electric trains. The new trains will operate on some of the West Anglia mainline routes that will transfer over to TfL on the 31st May 2015, as well as on the existing London Overground route between Barking to Gospel Oak.

The new trains will have similar features to the existing London Overground fleet, including walk-through carriages, air-conditioning and improved accessibility and are expected to go into passenger service from mid 2017.

The notice, which TfL will place today with the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), also provides TfL with the opportunity to order more trains to meet future demand.

TfL’s Director of Rail, Jonathan Fox, said: “We are inviting train manufacturers worldwide to do business with us. Our customers have already seen huge improvements to the existing London Overground network and we will be bringing that same expertise and those high standards to a wider group of passengers and regular London commuters.

“Ordering new trains for the Gospel Oak to Barking line and West Anglia route together, as well as including a provision to order more trains should passenger demand warrant additional capacity, ensures that we get best value for money for tax payers.”

The West Anglia inner services, between Liverpool Street Station to Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford, come under TfL management in May 2015 and will be operated as part of the London Overground network. Until the new rolling stock arrives, TfL will set about refreshing the existing West Anglia train fleet, including deep cleaning and rebranding to provide a cleaner, brighter environment for customers.

In addition, TfL will ensure all 24 stations (there are 26 on the new routes including the Romford to Upminster line) for which it will take responsibility are upgraded with a deep clean, new signage, improved CCTV and passenger information systems.

The Gospel Oak to Barking route, which is already part of London Overground, is being electrified by Network Rail and due to be completed in 2017. The new four carriage electric trains that will operate on this route will provide improved journey times and more capacity.