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in 2024 , we have introduced our Class 730 / 0 electric fleet onto the Cross City Line through Birmingham . This route , connecting the city with Lichfield , Bromsgrove , and Redditch , is one of the busiest commuter routes in the country outside London . The fleet replaces 30-year-old trains on the route and marks a steep change for our customers . With a total of 144 brand new carriages , the 730 / 0s can carry 30 percent more passengers than the trains they replace with features including spacious interiors and smart air conditioning .
“ The biggest transformation is yet to come , with the forthcoming introduction of our Class 350 / 2 electric trains onto the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston . We will introduce 36 of these trains onto our network , with the first coming into service as we head into 2025 . With each train formed of five carriages , the 180-carriage fleet will bring a significant increase in capacity onto some of the busiest commuter routes in the country .
“ Looking further ahead , innovation is at the heart of what we are trying to do when considering new technologies which can help make our business greener . For example , introducing hybrid trains that can switch seamlessly between electrified and non-electrified tracks . We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and the emissions our operations create – that is rightly what our passengers would expect of us . There are lots of opportunities in this area through working with the wider industry to develop new technologies and partnerships .
“ As the operator of 150 stations across our network we recognize the opportunity for innovation here and have recently installed eco-friendly smart LED lighting across the network to reduce our carbon footprint by lighting areas only when necessary . We ’ re also working with the rail industry to upgrade 58