London Overground - Rolling Stock

Rolling Stock

Since London Overground took over operations from Silverlink, TfL has been pursuing a programme of rolling-stock replacement over three to five years. Since 2009, Class 378 Capitalstars built by Bombardier Transportation have been introduced on the electrified lines. The North London Line has 24 four-car units; these were originally delivered as three-car units, but the extended trains were introduced into service from September 2010 following platform extensions. The East London Line is being initially operated with 20 four-car units, with three extra units due to be introduced.

The Class 378 trains were officially unveiled at Willesden Junction on 13 July 2009. They include a number of tube-style features, including longitudinal seating and increased standing room to provide a high-capacity metro service. The trains have walk-through open carriage interiors and air conditioning.

The trains are leased from newly-formed rolling stock operating company (ROSCO) QW Rail Leasing, the lease running until 2027. TfL had planned to buy the new fleet outright, but in February 2008 it announced that it would lease the trains in order to free up the £250 million capital cost of purchase, combined with reducing the risk of making a loss through any future sell-on of the fleet.

The Class 378s were introduced with success on most of the London Overground but there were some issues and delays. The four-car units for the Watford DC Line were delayed due to problems operating the trains as driver-only, due to safety concerns about blind spots on the CCTV system that allows the driver to see the passenger doors close. The Class 172 had technical issues that have now been resolved. By October 2010 the new rolling stock has completely replaced the Class 313 EMU, Class 508 EMU and Class 150 "Sprinter" DMU units previously operated by Silverlink, apart from the three Class 508 units withdrawn in late 2008. The Class 150 and Class 313 units have been cascaded to other train operating companies, such as Southern, First Capital Connect and First Great Western; the Class 508 units were stored at Eastleigh Works.

Before its closure to become part of the Overground network, services the East London line were operated with London Underground A60 and A62 Stock.

Eight two-car Class 172/0 units, to be leased by London Overground, were ordered by Angel Trains on behalf of TfL in November 2007, and entered service in 2010. Electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking Line line is advocated by TfL, local boroughs and passenger groups, but has not been included as part of Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategy for the Cross London Route.