Since the 5th February 2012, the Stansted Express services have been operated by Greater Anglia and new rolling stock has been introduced to the portfolio. As a frequent traveller to Stansted Airport, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality product available on the new carriages that can now be compared with the upper class product on an airline.
The reason behind this is that between March and August 2011, 30 new four-carriage Class 379 Electrostar trains were introduced on Stansted Express services and some London Liverpool Street to Cambridge services (The Class 379 trains were built by Bombardier Transportation at their factory in Derby), providing 120 extra carriages for customers.
The new Class 379 trains feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, larger luggage racks and fully-accessible high-standard passenger accommodation; including 20 First Class and 189 Standard Class seats on each four carriage train. Each train is also fitted with a state-of-the-art train management system and regenerative braking.
I was lucky enough to have a chance to experience the first class cabin which was blissfully quiet, air-conditioned with ample room for all luggage requirements, reclining seats, attentive staff and the complimentary amenities expected on international travel routes let alone domestic.
Andrew Goodrum Greater Anglia’s Director of Customer Service said: “The new Class 379 trains on the Stansted Express route have transformed the quality of service customers receive, with high-standard, comfortable, fully-accessible passenger accommodation including modern air conditioning and Wi-Fi, a truly 21st century travel experience.”
In my opinion the train operator is meeting the demands of the modern traveller by providing both the leisure and corporate sectors with an experience more akin to international train travel rather than domestic, with a 15 minute frequency of service between London Liverpool Street station and Stansted Airport.*
*Early and late trains are every 30 minutes.
For more information and reservations go to: www.stanstedexpress.com