‘Aventras’ finally ready for service
THE long-awaited appearance of a Class 710 ‘Aventra’ in passenger traffic finally took place on May 23, when two sets were put into use by London Overground.
The distinction of being the first set to carry fare-paying passengers fell to No. 710261, which formed the 2G43/11.36 Gospel Oak-Barking. It was followed less than 30 minutes later by No. 710269, which worked the 2G47/12.05 Gospel Oak-Barking.
The next day saw No. 710262 in service, and from this day two sets were in regular use working alongside the three Class 378 units (Nos. 378206/209/232) that have been operating on the line in recent months in shortened four-car formation. Further units will be put into service once software modifications have been completed. It is planned to restore the full timetable during the summer, with the three ‘378’ units reverting to five-car formation and returning to their booked routes.
The Class 710 EMUs were originally due to be introduced on the ‘Goblin’ route in March 2018, but have been delayed due to problems with software issues on the
