The Southend Pier Railway has received the first of the new trains set to enter service on the UK’s longest Pier, with work now underway on commissioning and training. Until that is completed the trains built in 1986 will continue to run the service.
The new trains are being built by Severn Lamb – who also built the current trains – and are a mix of the old and new with a traditional green and cream livery and a modern design featuring. They will include on-board wi-fi, USB charging points and on board CCTV. There will be capacity for 244 passengers per train along with increased space for wheelchairs (a minimum of six will be able to be carried). The trains are due to run off lithium batteries.
The first of the new trains was delivered to the Essex coast early on Tuesday 28th September. It also includes a central section for goods to be transported along the Pier.
No date has yet been set for the train to enter service.