Media Centre

Focus on reliability improves performance of Class 315 trains

11 Mar 2009

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) has seen significant improvements in the reliability of their Class 315 train fleet over the last 12 months. This has been achieved through a combination of fleet modifications, plus more robust monitoring and reporting of train faults.

A number of modifications have been made to the Class 315 fleet which have contributed to the reliability improvements. The most effective modifications include work to improve the High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights, Door Control Units and an upgrade of the PA systems. Changes have also been made to the main compressors of the trains improving reliability of the associated equipment, and to electrical relays as part of the upgrade programme. And identification of further modifications which could be made to improve the fleet’s performance is continuing.

The management of train defects is also an area in which the NXEA fleet engineering team has been able to bring about improvements. Better communication and more robust reporting procedures for train defects has meant that problems are identified earlier and more accurately, meaning they can be resolved more quickly.

To support these improvements National Express East Anglia has also reviewed and improved the management of their Ilford Depot stores to ensure components are readily available to effect speedy repairs.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The significant improvement has been seen in the train operator’s ‘MPC’ or ‘Miles Per Casualty’ figure, which is used to attribute delays. Over each four week period NXEA counts up the number of 'casualties' the fleet of Class 315 trains has. A casualty is recognised as a fault on a train which causes a delay of over 5 minutes or causes a train to be cancelled. At the end of the period, the train operator divides the total fleet mileage, by the number of casualties, to give the MPC. The number of casualties has fallen dramatically, hence the marked improvement in reliability.

For further information about this press release, please ring the National Express East Anglia Press Office on 0207 549 5966.