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Overground line to get 44 new green electric trains
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent09.04.08
A fleet of green electric trains especially designed to carry large numbers of passengers at peak times was promised by Ken Livingstone today.
The Mayor set out plans for 44 high capacity, three and fourcarriage trains on the North London line to be brought in over the next two years. They will have a metro-style layout with wider gangways and larger doors so the 63,000 people who use the line can get on and off more quickly and easily.
Mr Livingstone said: "This is just the start. Over the next four years we will deliver a radical revitalisation of London's overground services."
Since Transport for London took control of London Overground, formerly Silverlink, in November the service has been upgraded. All stations are staffed during opening hours, travellers can use Oystercards for all journeys and timetables have been extended. Stations have also undergone a deep clean, to be completed next month, with the repair of broken seats and light fittings.
The Mayor is in talks with the Government to take over London lines run by the Southern Rail franchise and, despite opposition, is said to be confident of success.
