Siemens has announced the roll out of a new fleet of 37 trains for the UK's West Coast Main Line.
The four-car electric multiple units will operate on the London Midland franchise on services from London to Birmingham.
The roll out is part of a ВЈ190m rolling stock and maintenance train order from lessors Porterbrook.
Built by Siemens, the trains are capable of 100mph. Delivery of the vehicles has begun with the first of the Class 350/2s in service on 14 December 2008. The full train fleet will be operational on the UK rail network by June 2009.
Head of Siemens Mobility UK Rolling Stock Steve Scrimshaw said that the company was very proud to extend on its five-year proven track record in the UK.
"The West Coast Main Line is a strategically important route and Siemens intends to build upon the proven reliability of its existing Desiro Class 350s with the introduction of this new fleet," Scrimshaw said.
London Midland's Steve Banaghan said that he looked forward to the delivery of the new trains.
"They will transform the experience of passengers on our longer distance routes and combined with our new direct services between the London, Birmingham and the North West will provide new opportunities to travel with London Midland," Banaghan said.
The new trains are the latest additions to the Siemens Desiro UK fleet, bringing the total number of Desiro trains operating on the UK network to 316.
By Daniel Garrun
