Class 321 Demonstrator launched

Eversholt Rail’s modified Class 321 has begun transporting passengers on the Greater Anglia network.

The Class 321 Demonstrator, which was unveiled in October, was launched at Liverpool Street Station this week.

Abellio Greater Anglia will operate the four-car unit for the next 12 months between Southend, Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Clacton, Harwich and Ipswich, in which time it is hoping to gather feedback from passengers on its refurbished interior.

The train is made up of two ‘suburban’ cars and two ‘metro’ cars, which feature 3+2 and 2+2 seating configurations respectively.

Everything from new LED lighting to a wheelchair accessible toilet have been installed on the vehicle as part of a programme led by Eversholt to explore ways of extending the life of the Class 321.

Mary Kenny, chief executive of Eversholt Rail, said: “We hope as many people as possible travel on the Demonstrator and give us feedback on the new features and the overall experience, to help us to improve the trains for passengers in the future.”