Bombardier Transportation signed a $249 million order with Lloyds TSB and London Eastern Railways, a subsidiary of National Express, for 30 four-car Bombardier Electrostar electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains plus a three-year maintenance agreement.

The new trains are designed for service speeds of approximately up to 99 mph and are equipped with large luggage racks, saloon air-conditioning, comprehensive CCTV coverage for greater passenger security, and a Wi-Fi system to enhance the level of passenger communication and information to and from the trains. The units will also feature the Bombardier Mitrac propulsion and controls system to recover and feed back energy while breaking.

The new Electrostar fleet will replace the older Class 317 fleet, and Bombardier will maintain the fleet using the operator's Maintenance Depot at Ilford.

Bombardier's Derby site will be responsible for the vehicle manufacture, project management, engineering and testing. All 120 coaches will be delivered between March and June 2011.