05/08/2020
The introduction of new rolling stock on any railway network is always a significant event, promising enhanced journeys and improved reliability for passengers. For South Western Railway (SWR), the arrival of the Class 701 Aventra trains has been a particularly long-anticipated saga, marked by ambitious plans, unforeseen delays, and ultimately, a phased entry into service that began in January 2024. These modern electric multiple units are set to transform suburban services into London Waterloo, bringing a much-needed boost in capacity and passenger comfort.
When South Western Railway was awarded the South Western franchise in March 2017, a key commitment was to introduce 750 brand-new carriages. This vision quickly materialised into a substantial contract with Bombardier Transportation (now part of Alstom) in June 2017 for 90 Aventra DC EMUs. The order, valued at an impressive £895 million, comprised 60 ten-car units and 30 five-car units, initially designated as Class 705 and Class 711 respectively, before being unified under the Class 701 umbrella (subclass /0 for ten-car and /5 for five-car). The ambitious timeline set for their introduction was mid-2019, with the entire fleet expected to be in service within two years of the first unit's debut.
The Promise of a New Commute
The Class 701 trains were designed with the modern commuter in mind. Their primary purpose was to replace SWR's ageing suburban fleets, including the venerable Class 455 units, and cascade the Class 458 fleet to longer-distance services. This strategic move aimed to not only modernise the fleet but also significantly enhance the passenger experience. Key improvements promised by the Aventra units included a substantial 46% increase in peak capacity on suburban routes into London Waterloo. Beyond just more space, passengers could look forward to features that were often lacking on older trains, such as efficient air-conditioning, an innovative open gangway design allowing passengers to move freely between carriages, and, crucially, onboard toilets. The maintenance of these new units is primarily handled at the Wimbledon depot, with additional support from the newly established Feltham depot.
A Journey Plagued by Delays
Despite the initial optimism, the path to service for the Class 701 fleet proved to be far from smooth. The original mid-2019 entry date quickly slipped, with a series of setbacks pushing back the timeline repeatedly. One of the earliest disruptions occurred in March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief halt to production. However, the issues extended far beyond the pandemic's immediate impact. By June 2020, when the first completed ten-car unit (701002) was delivered for testing, it was already more than five months behind schedule. The problem compounded as 2021 progressed, with only 19 units delivered by June of that year, and critically, none had yet been formally accepted by SWR.
The root cause of these significant delays was largely attributed to persistent software issues that had affected the introduction of all Aventra fleets across the UK. These complex software problems prevented the trains from performing to specification, leading to a frustrating stalemate between SWR and Alstom (who acquired Bombardier Transportation in January 2021). Beyond software, there were also reports of manufacturing defects in the finished vehicles and, notably, concerns raised by the driver's union ASLEF regarding the cab environment, which reportedly differed from previously agreed standards. These compounded challenges forced SWR to extend the lease on its remaining 12 Class 707 units until late 2022, impacting other planned fleet movements, and led to the withdrawal of the Class 456 fleet without direct replacement in January 2022 due to service level cuts.
Milestones and Setbacks on the Path to Acceptance:
The situation continued to evolve with various updates and revised targets:
- January 2022: SWR publicly stated it was still waiting for Alstom to "supply a train that performs to specification," highlighting the "challenging situation" on its suburban network.
- July 2022: SWR's Business Plan acknowledged "continuing problems" preventing driver training and delaying acceptance, committing to introduce the "Arterio fleet as soon as possible."
- December 2022: 24 finished units had been accepted, with a renewed commitment for service entry "as early in [2023] as possible." Driver training had not yet commenced.
- May 2023: A new target was announced: entry into service planned for December 2023.
- June 2023: By this point, 42 finished units had been accepted, and training for depot drivers had finally begun.
- December 2023: 50 finished units had been accepted, and preparations for mainline driver training were underway. However, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) advised its members to reject plans for entry into service or training until "several key areas" were amended, particularly regarding the role of the guard and implementation of driver-only operation.
The Class 701 Enters Service: A Phased Rollout
Despite the union's concerns, an agreement was reached in late December 2023, paving the way for a "Soft Launch" of the Class 701 fleet. The historic moment finally arrived on 9 January 2024, when the first Class 701 unit officially entered revenue service between London Waterloo and Windsor & Eton Riverside. Initially, a limited number of services (2-3 per day) ran on this route, allowing for a gradual introduction and further testing under operational conditions.
The full integration of the Class 701 fleet into SWR's network is a significant undertaking, projected to take approximately 24 months. By February 2024, 71 units had been accepted, with the ambitious target for the entire fleet to be fully in service by 2025, following the completion of comprehensive driver training. Interestingly, by April 2024, the number of accepted units had slightly dropped to 70, though construction of all 90 units was reported as complete.
Further expansion of their service began on 30 September 2024, when the Class 701 commenced revenue service on the Shepperton Branch Line, marking another important step in their rollout. SWR also announced on 28 November 2024 that ten additional Class 701 trains would be entering service by June 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to their deployment.
Looking ahead, discussions around the operation of the doors on the new fleet have also evolved. In April 2025, it was announced that once the whole fleet was in service, guards would be responsible for closing the doors at stations. This decision was attributed to reported safety concerns regarding visualising the entire platform clearly under varying light conditions. While SWR remains committed to driver-only operation in the future, it indicates that station modifications will be required to facilitate this transition.
Comparative Overview: Old vs. New Fleets
To truly appreciate the advancements brought by the Class 701, it's helpful to compare its features with the older fleets it is replacing:
| Feature | Older Fleets (e.g., Class 455) | Class 701 (Aventra) |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioning | Generally absent | Standard feature |
| Gangway Design | Closed (compartmentalised) | Open (allows movement between carriages) |
| Onboard Toilets | Limited or none on suburban units | Available on all units |
| Peak Capacity (Waterloo) | Standard | Increased by 46% |
| Ride Quality | Older suspension systems | Modern, smoother ride |
| Accessibility Features | Limited | Enhanced, modern standards |
Key Milestones and Delays: A Timeline
| Event | Original Plan | Actual/Revised Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract Award | March 2017 | March 2017 | Bombardier Transportation |
| First Unit In Service | Mid-2019 | 9 January 2024 | Significant delays due to software and manufacturing issues |
| Full Fleet In Service | End of 2021 (within 2 years) | Expected 2025 | Phased rollout taking longer than anticipated |
| Shepperton Branch Line Service | N/A | 30 September 2024 | Expansion of initial service routes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When did the Class 701 trains officially enter service?
A: The Class 701 fleet began its phased entry into service on 9 January 2024.
Q: What routes are the Class 701 trains currently serving?
A: Initially, they began service between London Waterloo and Windsor & Eton Riverside. As of September 2024, they also began revenue service on the Shepperton Branch Line. More routes will be added as the fleet is fully rolled out.
Q: What are the main benefits and features of the Class 701 trains?
A: The Class 701 trains offer a 46% increase in peak capacity on suburban routes, feature modern air-conditioning, an open gangway design allowing movement between carriages, and onboard toilets. They are also designed to be more accessible and energy-efficient.
Q: Why were there so many delays in the Class 701's introduction?
A: The delays were primarily due to complex software issues affecting the Aventra fleet, as well as manufacturing defects in some units and concerns raised by driver unions regarding the cab environment. These issues required extensive testing and rectification before the trains could be accepted for service.
Q: When is the full Class 701 fleet expected to be in service?
A: The full fleet of 90 Class 701 units is expected to be completely in service by 2025, following a comprehensive 24-month phased rollout and the completion of all driver training.
Q: Does the "701 (Worthing)" refer to a specific train route or station?
A: It's important to clarify that "Class 701" refers to the *type* of train (the Aventra electric multiple unit), not a specific route number or a service to a particular station like Worthing. The provided information does not indicate that a Class 701 train serves Worthing. The Class 701 trains are primarily for SWR's suburban routes into London Waterloo, and the mention of "Worthing" in your query appears to be unrelated to the Class 701 trains themselves.
Q: Will the Class 701 trains operate with driver-only operation (DOO)?
A: While SWR is committed to driver-only operation in the future, it has been announced that initially, once the whole fleet is in service, guards will be responsible for closing the doors at stations due to safety concerns. This suggests that a transition to full DOO will require further station modifications.
The Future of SWR's Suburban Services
The journey of the Class 701 Aventra trains has been a testament to the complexities of modern railway infrastructure projects. From the initial ambitious order to the prolonged period of testing and resolution of technical and industrial challenges, their eventual entry into service marks a significant milestone for South Western Railway and its passengers. As more units are introduced and driver training is completed, the full benefits of this modern fleet – including greatly increased capacity and enhanced passenger facilities – will become increasingly apparent across the suburban network. The Class 701 represents a crucial step in modernising rail travel in the UK, promising a more comfortable, reliable, and spacious commute for thousands of passengers for years to come.
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