Aventra trains break ridership record on Cross City line
01.10.2025
Aventra trains carried over 12 million passengers during their first operating year on the Cross City line, demonstrating the need for new blood and its worth to UK commuter trains.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
The Cross City line runs for 51 kilometres and interconnects Lichfield, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, and Redditch. It is among the most populated suburban routes beyond London, and new trains control increased passengers.
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West Midlands Railway runs the line, aiming to concentrate on service quality and better positions within the market with increased competition among passengers. Passengers commend the trains and comfortability, capacity, and new-age designing.
Aventra trains and their launch into markets
The contract to supply was signed following a tender of 2017, which was secured by Bombardier Transportation and subsequently taken over by Alstom. The agreement saw 48 three-car Aventra 730/0 units join service on the Cross City line.
The initial services were introduced during March of 2024, and by September the entire fleet was operational. Through this rapid deployment, timely upgrading and better passenger experience were achieved.
The plant’s production occurs here with Alstom being the only UK-based facility that designs, construct, and test suburban rolling stock. The plant, since its inception in 2015, has already supplied 2,660 Aventra cars, solidifying its strategic significance to local and export markets.
Aventra trains and the commuter service expansion
On the Cross City line, the units typically travel in pairs with capacity of over 1,000 passengers per formation. The solution boosts efficiency and lightens infrastructure pressure.
The successful Aventra operating confirms that innovative rolling stock investment pays off. Hence, upgrading commuter services is now national priority, with expanding urban regions requiring transport.
Experts recognize that Aventras consist of capacity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Their introduction serves a long-term plan of enhancing the role of railway transport within regional development.
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What are Aventra trains?
They are suburban multiple units that were designed and constructed by Alstom. The trains were famous due to their capacity, comfort to passengers, and energy efficiency.
When were Aventra trains introduced into service on the Cross City line?
The first passengers embarked during March of 2024 and by September the whole armada was fully operational.
Are Aventra trains reusable on other routes?
Yes, they can be customized to various suburban lines. Their modular design enables operators to customize capacity and capability to local requirements.
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