One year after returning to public ownership, South Western Railway (SWR) has announced an acceleration in the introduction of its new Arterio trains, a programme that has already brought 39 new units into service and significantly increased capacity on one of the UK’s busiest suburban rail networks.
The operator has received its 45th Arterio train as it marks the first anniversary of the transfer into state ownership. According to the company, measures introduced following the end of private operation have streamlined approval processes and driver training, speeding up the deployment of the new fleet.
The results are already visible for passengers travelling to and from London Waterloo. Capacity and seating availability on suburban services have increased by 27%, with even higher gains on certain routes: 55% on Aldershot via Ascot, 42% to Windsor, 32% to Shepperton, 30% to Dorking, and 28% to Hampton Court.
Arterio trains become a symbol of UK rail reform
The new Arterio trains offer more seats, free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, modern air-conditioning systems, and improved acceleration and braking performance. SWR reports that 45 trains are now in operation, with the operator approaching its target of 50 active units. The full fleet of 90 trains is expected to enter service by early 2027.
“One year on from the first rail operations entering public ownership, passengers are seeing and feeling the difference. Modern trains, more seats and greater capacity are restoring confidence in the railway and demonstrating what can be achieved when we put passengers first, not profit,” said UK Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy.
The introduction of the new trains is part of a broader modernisation programme, including infrastructure investment, additional staff recruitment, and timetable optimisation.
The 90 Arterio trains are being manufactured by Alstom in Derby, and in November the manufacturer also signed a four-and-a-half-year Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA).
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