C2C INTRODUCES 'REDESIGNED' CLASS 357/3
Published at 18:52 on Wednesday 29th July 2015
Tags: c2c, Bombardier
The new-look interior to the redesigned Class 357/3s, which aims to create additional standing room for passengers, with the units being used on shorter peak-hour journeys c2c
c2c has published the latest passenger projections for its new December timetable, which will provide 1,400 extra seats and room for over 3,000 more travellers in each morning peak alone.
Equivalent figures for the current timetable have also been published, which show that the new one provides 25% more stops with seats available for passengers than is currently the case, and a reduction in the number of trains that are full.
c2c also has a new-look train design, which is planned to be introduced for 20% of its trains over the next six months. These trains, which will be focused on the shortest journeys at peak times, each provide room for 150 more people onboard by creating more space that can be used by standing passengers. The first service for the redesigned units was introduced with the 07:41 from Pitsea to Fenchurch Street via Rainham on 27th July.
This was part of a £12 million upgrade of all of the operator's trains, which will also provide passengers with a brighter, cleaner and more comfortable journey. The first of the refurbished sets, Class 357/2 No. 357202, is also in service. The improvements to capacity are part of a three-stage programme to transform c2c services, combined with the new discounted tickets and smartcards introduced last year, and the automatic compensation scheme for delayed passengers that will begin early next year.
The first redesigned set, Class 357/2 No. 357223 has been renumbered, becoming No. 357323.
