‘one’ railway (part of the National Express group) is investing £60 million in upgrading its fleet of Class 315 trains. The aim of the overhaul is to improve the passenger environment and reliability of the trains, the upgrade will consist of new windows, seat covers, flooring and an improved door mechanism on the trains.

On each refurbished train:
* The door operating systems will be replaced. There are 16 passenger doors and 4 driver’s cab doors per unit, so 1,220 doors in total will have their mechanisms replaced.
* All 318 passenger seats on each train will have new seat covers. In total that will amount to an astonishing 19,398 new seat covers.
* There are 48 passenger windows on a unit, all of which will be replaced. In total 2,928 windows will be replaced during this refurbishment programme.
* Approximately 160 square metres of flooring will be replaced on each train. A staggering 9,760 square metres in total.
* CCTV has also been fitted on all 315 trains for improved passenger security.

John Ratcliffe, Engineering Director for ‘one’ railway commented ‘we are constantly striving to improve the service we offer our customers. This major upgrade signifies our commitment to improving the reliability of our services and enhancing passenger comfort. We hope the many passengers who travel on our much improved 315 fleet will be pleased with the improvements.’

Over 40 of the trains have already been refurbished. ‘one’ railway is aiming to complete the refurbishment programme of all 61 trains by early 2008. The Class 315 Fleet operates on services from London Liverpool Street station to Enfield Town, Cheshunt, Hertford East, Chingford, Romford, Shenfield and Brentwood.