Track upgrades will stagger the introduction of a new fleet of sleek, modern commuter trains launched by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling on Wednesday. But it will be worth the wait, says BBC News Online's commuters' champion Jon Yuill. | WHO IS JON YUILL? Elected: Jon Yuill was voted BBC News Online's rail commuters' champion by users of the site Voice: His role is to speak up for the commuter Commute: Married with three children, Jon commutes by train between Witham (Essex) and London |
It was just after eight one morning a fortnight ago when, squinting up the platform at Witham, I got my first shock of the day. The train was on time. But more than this, where was my old train, with its familiar fly-spattered windshield and broken destination board? Yes, it was my first glimpse of the new Class 360 Desiro trains, currently being introduced on the Colchester/Clacton line. Ha, I snorted, a fresh lick of paint isn't going to fool a cynical old git like me.
Then I got the next shock. The interior of the Desiro is, frankly, a major leap forward for the commuter. The first thing you notice is a somewhat Tardis-like quality, seemingly offering a larger interior cabin.
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Next comes the seat design. The backs are longer, offering more privacy, and the seat itself gives the impression, if not the reality, that anyone bigger than Jimmy Krankie can actually fit on to it.
The windows seem bigger also, offering better daylight inside and an improved view of the countryside outside. Another thing about the windows (and doors) is the double glazing. Combined with, shock horror, a carpet in "standard" class, this makes the best improvement - its fantastic quietness.
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This is helped by air conditioning - so there should be no need for noisy open windows. And let's hope the air con works, as there are no opening windows. The only downside of the quiet journey is that you can hear Melvin from accounts tell Deirdre from purchasing that he's going to be late in again.
Toughened glass overhead luggage racks allow more light, and a rather large digital display in every carriage informs passengers of how late you will be running. Sorry, there goes the cynic inside me again.
It will be interesting to see if there is a drop in first class ticket holders as the gap in comfort levels between first and second closes. First class users have even wider seats on which to park their better upholstered backsides.
One very reassuring feature is the CCTV camera in every carriage (something I seem to remember calling for when I first became BBC News Online's Commuters' Champ). Let's hope these are always kept in working order. There are also passenger alarms linked to the driver, so you can tell him when he's going the wrong way.
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Interestingly, signs in the toilet are in Braille, which is a positive move for blind passengers, and will no doubt be a comfort to the drunken yobs who board at Shenfield and can't see straight. All in all, the 360s are a class above the slam-door 312s I've been used to. But I'm one of the lucky ones. Many of my fellow commuters who travel by South West Trains can expect a long wait for their smart new trains.
Rolling out SWT's new fleet of 177 trains is being delayed because the extra power they use requires line upgrades. And while that's being done, passengers can expect a whole new set of disruptions.
But I can assure them, it will be worth the wait.
Some of your comments so far: I also travel on the Clacton line and although the new trains are a vast improvement, as always there has been little or should I say no consideration for cyclists. I catch the same train every morning and witness an empty first class section that could easily have been fitted with cycle racks
Rebecca, UK
The recently introduced C2C trains on the old London-Tilbury-Southend line are excellent and finally reflective of increased investment in the railways. We do still get the odd infrastructure problem with overhead lines and unfortunately even new rolling stock doesn't stop local yobs taking to windows with sharp edges. In summary, great trains, well done C2C.
Trevor Hughes, Essex, England
The introduction of new trains has been a mixed success over the last decade. Most new trains have just not worked properly and there have been major hold-ups when the doors have not closed properly (or the sensors don't think they have). The gap between seats has reduced on South Eastern, South Central and South Western trains although the average height of us Brits has been increasing. So in summary a bit of a mixed bag.
Chris Fribbins, Medway, Kent
There is indeed a sense of excitement when you get your first glimpse of the next generation of trains. Unfortunately, this is soon tinged with disappointment when you see the state that they soon become after a few drunken Friday night's passengers.
Steve Cahill, Sandy, England
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