Central Trains - BCentral Trains - B Central Trains Rolling Stock Central Trains' fleet was primarily made up of diesel multiple unit trains, with an additional fleet of electric trains in use around Birmingham. The awarding of the franchise was soon followed by multiple orders for a total of 33 new air-conditioned, 100 mph Turbostar trains, intended to boost the fleet and replace older rolling stock. Though a large number of 1980s and 1990s diesel multiple unit trains inherited from British Rail remained, the last 1960s and 70s 'slam door' trains had been retired by 2000. Over the course of the franchise, a number of the older Class 156 and Class 158 trains were transferred away to other operators including Wales & Borders and One. This was balanced by the acquisition of additional Turbostar trains no longer required by sister company Midland Mainline as well as additional Class 150 and Class 158 units made surplus by other operators. Over the years, both Class 150 and 158 trains were shuffled between two and three carriage formations to meet changing needs. The Strategic Rail Authority decision to divert rolling stock originally intended for South West Trains also saw the company benefit from a fleet of 30 new 100 mph Class 350 Desiro units, which were shared with Silverlink for use on the West Coast Main Line between Euston and Northampton/Liverpool via Tamworth. Rolling stock in 1997 consisted entirely of trains inherited from British Rail. Some, such as Class 310 and Class 312 trains were in the process of withdrawal at privatisation. By the final months of the franchise, Central Trains had a significantly more modern fleet. It was also supplementing its fleet with Class 321 and new Class 350 electric trains shared with sister company Silverlink. Central Trains Fleet at Start of Franchise Rolling stock in 1997 consisted entirely of trains inherited from British Rail. Some, such as Class 310 and Class 312 trains were in the process of withdrawal at privatisation.
diesel multiple unit Some Centro services. Dorridge/Shirley/Stratford Upon Avon/Leamington Spa – Worcester/Great Malvern/Hereford. Some non Centro routes Crewe to Skegness, Derby to Matlock and Nottingham to Worksop 1984–1987
Lincolnshire and Mid Wales rural services, Stourbridge branch line, Skegness to Crewe & Derby to Matlock and Nottingham to Birmingham New Street/Shrewsbury via Derby 1987–1988
Aberystwyth and Chester to Birmingham New Street, Hereford to Birmingham New Street, Birmingham New Street to Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln Central & Grimsby Town, Nottingham to Worksop, Crewe to Skegness. 1987–1989
Norwich to Liverpool, Stansted to Birmingham, Nottingham to Cardiff, Grimsby to Birmingham, Birmingham to Liverpool 1989–1992
electric multiple unit Already being withdrawn at privatisation, remained as backup for the newly introduced Class 323. 1966
1976
Cross City Lines 1992–1995 Central Trains Fleet at End of Franchise By the final months of the franchise, Central Trains had a significantly more modern fleet. It was also supplementing its fleet with Class 321 and new Class 350 electric trains shared with sister company Silverlink.
Diesel Multiple Unit Non-electric services for Network West Midlands, plus some services to Worcester, Malvern and Hereford. 1984–1987
Lincolnshire rural services, Coventry–Nuneaton and Stourbridge branch line. 1987–1988
Middle-distance services, mainly in the East Midlands. 1987–1989
Middle-distance services and some Citylink duties. 1989–1992
Citylink services and general use across the franchise area. 1999–2002
electric multiple units 37 (Shared with Silverlink) Birmingham – Northampton 1990–1991
Birmingham Cross City Lines 1992–1995
(Shared with Silverlink) Electrified Citylink services from Birmingham 2004–2005 Central Trains Franchise Cessation In October 2004, the Department for Transport unveiled plans designed to streamline rail franchises which included the abolition of the Central Trains franchise and the transfer of its services to other operators. It was announced that the franchise would end in April 2007, although there was a later extension until November 2007). On 11 November 2007, Central Trains ceased to exist and its services transferred to three new train operating companies:
Central Trains Overview Central Trains Franchise(s): Central Trains 2 March 1997 – 11 November 2007 Central Trains Main Region(s): Midlands (East, West) Central Trains Other Region(s): North West England, East Anglia, South East Wales Central Trains Fleet Size: 156 Central Trains Stations Called At: 232 (193 operated) Central Trains Parent Company: National Express Central Trains Reporting Mark: CT Central Trains Predecessor: Regional Railways Central Trains Successor: London Midland East Midlands Trains CrossCountry | |||||
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