How the British Rail Class 730 is transforming travel across the West Midlands region
In short: The Class 730 Aventra is a modern electric multiple unit train designed to overhaul rail travel around Birmingham and London. Built at the historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works, this fleet is replacing aging rolling stock to boost passenger capacity and modernize services on the busy Cross-City and West Coast lines.
The Class 730 project began in October 2017 when West Midlands Trains secured a franchise to operate local and inter-urban services. To modernize their network, the company announced a £680 million investment to procure over 100 new trains. The resulting order for 81 Aventra units, manufactured by Alstom, represents a significant shift in regional rail infrastructure. These trains were subjected to rigorous testing both in the United Kingdom and at a facility in Velim, Czechia, before receiving authorization for service from the Office of Rail and Road in February 2022.
The fleet is divided into two distinct configurations tailored for specific operational needs. The three-car Class 730/0 units, which reached passenger service in November 2023, are optimized for local Birmingham routes and the Cross-City Line. These units are limited to a maximum speed of 90 mph and were specifically engineered to double passenger capacity on the Cross-City network. In contrast, the five-car Class 730/2 units are designed for outer suburban and long-distance travel, capable of reaching speeds of 110 mph. Maintenance for these trains is strategically split between the Soho Depot in Birmingham and the Bletchley Depot in Milton Keynes.
The introduction of these trains has facilitated the retirement of older rolling stock, including Class 319, Class 323, and Class 350/2 units. As the new fleet rolls out, the older Class 323 trains are being cascaded to Northern Trains. Beyond their technical specifications, the 48 three-car units have been branded as the Landmark Class, with each train named after a specific site within the West Midlands. This deployment marks a major milestone in the operator's long-term plan to replace legacy equipment and enhance the efficiency of the West Coast Main Line and surrounding suburban corridors.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: British Rail Class 730
- Also: Wikidata — British Rail Class 730 · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-british-rail-class-730.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish cities · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
