Brief no: one (yes it really does look like "brief no-one!")
welcome
We're committed to delivering an improved journey experience for our passengers. As part of this commitment we are introducing a brand new fleet of trains that will greatly improve travel on our routes serving Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street stations.
A team of people from London Midland and Bombardier has been working behind the scenes since mid 2008 project managing the design, construction and testing of the fleet.
This is the first in a series of updates to give you an introduction to our new fleet of trains. (Email section with address removed)
the 'class 172'
The Class 172 train is the latest evolution in the Turbostar family of trains. We already run a Turbostar train - the Class 170 and we currently have 23 trains in our fleet. The Class 172 will replace most of our Class 150 fleet which has been in operation for over 25 years. As you might expect, it has a number of advantages over the Class 150. We've highlighted the main improvements below.
what's improved?
The Class 172 has some new features designed to improve passenger environment, information, security and access.
Saloon environment
The saloon environment of the Class 172 is a vast improvement on the exisiting Class 150s and will significantly improve passenger perception. The benefits include 2+2 seating, air conditioning, more leg room, spacious and bright interior with London Midland branding and open vestibules
Passenger Information System
On train passenger information is really important to our passengers. Our new system provides automatic audio and visual messages for each journey, with the ability to manually select messages as required.
Closed Circuit Television
Each vehicle of the train has four internal colour CCTV cameras that automatically record and store to a computer on board the train. To support investigations into criminal or anti-social incidents footage can be downloaded via cables or via a secure wireless connection.
A forward facing camera is fitted in the exterior of each driving cab front, next to the drivers side lamp cluster. Recordings from these cameras can provide valuable evidence to support incident investigations.
Inter-unit Access
All of our Class 172's have unit end corridor connections which are much more convenient for both our customers and ourselves. This helps customers find seats throughout the train more easily, improve revenue protection and provides a more open environment. The trains are also fitted with Selective Door Operation (SDO) which enables them to call at some short platforms.
Each Class 172 carriage is 23 metres long compared to 20 metres for the Class 150 enabling a similar level of seating to a Class 150 but with 2+2 rather than 2+3 seating. Seating capacities are 139 for a 2 car and 219 for a 3 car.
Each unit is provided with a disabled access toilet with automatic soap and water dispensers.
delivery
Two Class 172 Units have already been delivered to Tyseley depot and are currently being utilised for staff training and familiarisation purposes.
The full London Midland fleet of 12 Class 172/2 two car units and 15 Class 172/3 three car units are planned to be delivered over the coming months.
These new Units will replace most of our Class 150 units later this year and will operate predominantly on the Snow Hill routes between Leamington and Stratford to Stourbridge, Worcester and Malvern/Hereford.
the 172 project team
The introduction of a new train is a culmination of effort from a number of people in different teams.
A small Project Team consists of a core of three dedicated staff that have the skills and experience to manage and undertake the requirements for introducing the Class 172. They will co-ordinate all activities and interface with resources with London Mindland (LM) and external agencies/stakeholders in the execution of the project.
(Team personal details removed)
training and development
One of the most important things to accomplish whenever a new train is introduced is to make sure that we all have the relevant knowledge and competence to safely operate and maintain the new assets.
The project, fleet and operations teams have been working together to develop training courses for fleet staff, drivers and conductors. Training for driver instructors and fleet staff has already begun.
Stations team briefings will include a DVD to support understanding of the differences in a 172, including the use of the new disabled access ramp located on board every Class 172 unit and at certain stations.
updating our stations
Train dispatch arrangements are being reviewed and updated where necessary to accomodate the new fleet of trains.
Car Stop boards locations have been reviewed where Class 172's will call to make sure that the exisiting boards are fit for purpose or if replacement boards are required.
You may have seen new Stop Boards appearing at your station although this won't be necessary at all locations.
New disabled ramps specific to the Class 172 have also been ordered and fitted.
depot investment
The Class 172s will be maintained and stabled at Tyseley, Worcester and Leamington. Infrastructure work is being undertaken at Tyseley in preparation for the new trains, including a shed extension and installation of additional CET equipment.
Additional material and special tools have been procured for Class 172s.
Hopefully I've got enough time to get 150106, 150124 and 150216 in the book before they head to new shores!
