FirstGroup and MTR purchase Crossrail style trains for South Western Railway franchise

Bombardier has signed a contract with FirstGroup and MTR worth nearly £900 million to build Aventra trains for their new South Western Railway franchise. These new trains are to be built at Bombardier's rail vehicles production site in Derby, England.

From Bombardier

Contract for 750 cars is the largest AVENTRA train order ever

AVENTRA train designed to help FirstGroup and MTR deliver greater passenger capacity and comfort on the South Western network

First and MTR wins South Western railway franchise

More bad news for Stagecoach!

Stagecoach have already lost London Bus routes 5, 15 and 115 to Go Ahead Blue Triangle and now they have lost the South West Trains franchise to First and MTR.

Video: London Overground Romford to Upminster branch

On 31st May 2015, the Romford to Upminster line were transferred to TFL's London Overground from Abellio Greater Anglia. 

The service uses British Rail Class 317. Inside they feature a table which is unusual for a Commuter railway train to have. So I felt the service is first class because of the features which London Overground provided for the Romford to Upminster Line.

Shenfield Metro Service to be operated under the brand of TFL Rail

In one of TFL’s latest press releases titled ‘Crossrail – Moving to the Operating Railway’ they revealed the branding for the Shenfield branch which TFL is beginning operation on, on 31^st May 2015.