The new Passenger Information System is being fitted to Greater Anglia’s entire fleet of 61 Class 315 trains and will deliver timely and accurate information to passengers during their journey with automatic announcements and scrolling text on screens in each vehicle.

The work is being managed by the fleet owners Eversholt Rail Group and carried out by Bombardier Transportation at their depot in Ilford. Work commenced in December 2012 with the first units being 315803 and 315827 which are now in passenger service.

Class 315 Interior
Other improvements being applied to the 315 fleet as part of the same project include the installation of wheelchair bays which can accommodate two wheelchairs. Furthermore, on completion of the Passenger Information System installation, new ‘Call for Aid’ buttons will be installed in the wheelchair bays for the use of mobility impaired passengers should they require assistance.

‘Tip–up’ seats have also been installed in the wheelchair area, along with additional signage to identify priority seats for elderly or mobility impaired passengers. Exterior signage to identify the location of the wheelchair bays, improved door handles in the gangways between vehicles that provide a simple lever handle and colour contrasting handrails to assist visually impaired passengers have also been installed.

John Ratcliffe, Engineering Director, Greater Anglia said: “The improvement programme for our Class 315 trains will offer passengers better information provision and much improved accessibility, which are both extremely important in making rail travel an attractive and easy option for all.”

Mary Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, Eversholt Rail (UK) Ltd said “This investment of £6m in the Class 315 fleet demonstrates our continued commitment to improving our rolling stock assets for the benefit of our customers and their passengers. The success of this project to date is due to tremendous teamwork by Greater Anglia, Bombardier and Eversholt Rail.”

The Class 315 fleet serves the Metro area (London Liverpool Street – Shenfield) and the West Anglia route (London Liverpool Street – Chingford).

Paul Roberts, Chief Country Representative for Bombardier Transportation in the UK and Ireland said: “This project is an excellent example of how Bombardier supports train operators and asset owners in maximising the value and potential of their fleets. This work, which has been carried out by our UK centre of excellence for heavy maintenance and overhaul in Ilford shows how we can introduce the latest technology and features into existing trains to improve passengers’ journey experience.”