Angel Trains has placed a major order for Class 172 DMUs of Bombardier Transportation’s next generation ‘Green Trains’ for London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL) and Chiltern Railways. The contract, worth approximately £33 million, is for eight 2-car next generation diesel multiple units for use on the London Overground network and four 2-car units for Chiltern Railways.

This vehicle is one of the lightest and greenest modern DMUs available, meeting the latest legislation in emissions and improving the passenger experience.

Haydn Abbott, Managing Director, Angel Trains Group said: “This investment brings some of the lightest, most environmentally-friendly trains currently available onto the UK rail network. We are delighted to be leasing these vehicles to our new customers, LOROL and Chiltern Railways, and look forward to a successful partnership together”.

Steve Murphy, Managing Director, LOROL added: “At LOROL we are committed to redeveloping the London Overground product for our passengers, and one of our first priorities was to replace the ageing fleet we inherited when we took over. The 172s will give our passengers a much improved journey experience, while also surpassing our internal targets for emissions.”

Adrian Shooter, Chairman Chiltern Railways, said: “We have ordered 172s to provide greater capacity for our growing business. I know that they will meet the high standards that Chiltern customers have grown to expect from us. Our corporate social responsibility policies are extremely important to us and new investments in greener trains help us to adhere to them”.

Production of the new Class 172s will take place in Bombardier’s Derby factory. The units for LOROL will be delivered in Q4 2009, with the delivery of units for Chiltern Railways in Q3 2010.