Introducing Arterio, our brand-new fleet of 90 trains set to transform travel on our Reading, Windsor and West London suburban routes.
We’re investing a massive £1 billion in a fleet of modern and reliable trains which offer more capacity and quicker journey times, improving reliability and punctuality for our customers.
We’re looking forward to our customers joining us on this exciting journey.
The Arterio fleet
Built by Bombardier in Derby, the 750 carriage Arterio fleet is constructed using strong, but lightweight materials such as aluminium for the body shell.
More technologically advanced than the older trains they’re replacing, these modern trains are designed and operated to improve performance for hundreds of thousands of customers using our suburban routes. Our 90 strong-fleet strong of trains can carry more people, accelerate and brake more quickly to reduce the journey times between destinations, whilst larger, driver operated doors can allow more customers to board and alight to reduce dwell station times.
These trains are more sustainable than the current fleet serving the suburban network as regenerative braking means up to 30 per cent less energy is used as electricity is sent back into the conductor rail during braking.
Our investment also improves the onboard experience, with modern features allowing customers to travel in more comfort and to stay connected during their journeys.
The entire Arterio fleet offers free onboard Wi-Fi so customers can answer emails and search the web on the go, and access SWR|Stream, our complimentary onboard entertainment service, to watch the latest hit films and top TV box sets, read the latest news and so much more.
Live on-train customer information systems will deliver real-time travel information, allowing our customers to plan their onward journeys whilst still onboard.
Fully accessible bioreactor Controlled Emission Toilets (CET), including for those using wheelchairs, will be available across the entire fleet. These types of toilets are the first to be rolled out on an entire UK fleet and are used in Europe, including the Netherlands and Switzerland. CET toilets biologically and thermally treat waste to produce wastewater which is compliant with EU bathing water standards. Once the trains are introduced, there will be 1 toilet per every 5-car train and 2 per every 10-car train.
There will be several multi-use spaces available, where seating can be tipped up to accommodate prams or luggage, as well as overhead storage racks above the 2 by 2 seating. Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on each new Arterio train, with 2 and 4 spaces in every five-car and ten-car train respectively.
There are dedicated cycle racks available across the fleet meaning customers can safely and conveniently store their bicycles. For every five-car train, 3 bike spaces will be made available for customers, and 6 spaces on every ten-car train.
Why the name Arterio?
Through Waterloo, the beating heart of our network, Arterio trains will carry our customers along the arteries of our suburban network to the capital - to work, to school, to restaurants, shops, bars and theatres – and home again.
Our Managing Director Mark Hopwood explains in more detail:
