Class 230 train 230004 at Bedford station. Credit: West Midlands Trains.

UK-based train operating company West Midlands Trains has deployed the first Vivarail-developed Class 230 D Train for commercial services.

The train will operate on the Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford.

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Last year, West Midlands Trains awarded a contract to Vivarail to deliver three Class 230 D Trains for its London Northwestern Railway brand.

The two-car trains will offer additional capacity and better customer experience for passengers on the line.

“Our design and engineering work has been focused on ensuring the Marston Vale trains are of the quality and standard the passengers deserve.”

London Northwestern Railway customer experience director Jonny Wiseman said: “The Class 230 train now operating on the Marston Vale line is a fantastic addition to our fleet and will increase capacity on this popular line.”

All three trains will feature fully accessible toilets, various seating options and USB sockets at each seat.

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They exhibit a lightweight aluminium bodyshell, which provides better acceleration and reduces fuel consumption compared to existing vehicles. The train engines are also designed for automatic shut down when they are at stations.

Additionally, the three vehicles feature a special London Northwestern Railway livery for the line.

Vivarail CEO Adrian Shooter said: “Our design and engineering work has been focused on ensuring the Marston Vale trains are of the quality and standard the passengers deserve.

“I think we’ve achieved that and I look forward to the feedback we’ll receive. The new livery is very appealing but the bespoke artwork really does stand out as something quite special.”

The remaining two Class 230 D Trains are expected to be introduced into passenger service in the following weeks. All the three units will be maintained at the Bletchley depot.