West Midlands Railway (WMR) recently showcased its Class 730 Alstom Aventra fleet, which starts operating in the second week of February 2024, initially serving routes between Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Walsall. By spring, these trains will also be running on the Cross City Line, linking Lichfield, Birmingham, Redditch, and Bromsgrove.
The unveiling event took place at Wolverhampton Station, revealing 48 three-car trains. These trains are part of a EUR 820 million investment in new fleet and infrastructure. Manufactured in the Midlands by Alstom, the Class 730s are designed to increase passenger capacity compared to the trains they are replacing. They come equipped with modern amenities including accessible toilets, digital information screens, air conditioning, underfloor heating, and power points at every seat.
These electric trains are not just physically longer, allowing for more passengers, but their interiors have been thoughtfully designed in a spacious, metro-style layout to maximize space.
Moreover, beyond the Class 730s, there are plans to introduce 36 five-car trains for longer-distance routes connecting the West Midlands with Liverpool and London. These trains, currently in testing, are expected to enter service next winter, further expanding the capacity and reach of the West Midlands Railway network.
