Our last Class 455 returned from Chart Leacon Depot on Good Friday to give a complete fleet of refurbished trains.
The £67 million refurbishment started in 2004 and saw 91 four-car units, which were originally built between 1983 and 1985, undergo major refurbishment. This included a new livery, CCTV, Passenger Information System, reconfigured seating, cycle storage, wheelchair space, heavy maintenance work including door overhaul work and an electrical overhaul. The first refurbished unit was welcomed back into service on 5 November 2004. The last unit, 5864, returned to traffic on 24 March.
Our Fleet Depot Manager at Wimbledon Traincare Depot, Kate Marjoribanks, said:
“The refurbished fleet has been well received and this is largely thanks to the design process, which involved consultation with various rail, cycle and disabled user groups before the design was finalised. The fact that many people believe the refurbished 455s to be a new train is testament to not just the quality of the work but also the standard to which they are maintained by the team here at Wimbledon.”
The Managing Director of Porterbrook, Paul Francis, said:
“We are extremely pleased with the high quality of the refurbishment of the Class 455s which will now give passengers a better journey experience. It is encouraging for the industry that this level of refurbishment can be achieved on existing rolling stock and demonstrates Porterbrook’s on-going commitment to invest in UK rail.”
Chairman of Bombardier, Colin S Walton, said:
“The excellent partnership between South West Trains, Porterbrook and Bombardier has seen a highly successful project completed on time. I’m sure that the travelling public on the Class 455s will appreciate the major upgrade to these trains which brings tremendous improvement to their journey experience.”