What next for the unwanted Class 707 'Desiro City' EMUs?

摘要

A fleet of 30 Siemens Class 707 EMUs will not be retained by the new operator for the South Western franchise, First/MTR. The fleet cost £210million and has not even entered service with South West Trains. First/MTR is planning a fleet of 90 new trains (750 carriages) for the Reading and Windsor routes plus other suburban lines, which will eventually replace the Class 455 fleet, dating from 1982. These venerable units are currently being given an AC traction motor upgrade to improve efficiency and reliability, but First/MTR is believed to want a different interior design, and new build is a more cost effective option.