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| Greater Anglia Class 745 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Class 745 |
| Manufacturer | Stadler Rail |
| Family | FLIRT |
| Yearservice | 2019 |
| Numberbuilt | 26 units |
| Formation | 5 or 4 cars |
| Operator | Greater Anglia |
| Depot | Crown Point TMD |
| Maxspeed | 100 mph (160 km/h) |
| Gauge | Standard gauge |
Greater Anglia Class 745 is a fleet of electric multiple unit passenger trains built by Stadler Rail as part of the FLIRT family for operation by Greater Anglia on intercity and regional services in the East of England. Intended to replace older diesel and electric sets, the fleet entered service after delivery and commissioning processes involving Network Rail infrastructure adjustments and Office of Rail and Road approvals. The Class 745 project intersected with rolling stock strategies tied to the UK Department for Transport franchises and broader UK rolling stock modernisation efforts.
The design was developed from Stadler's FLIRT modular platform, drawing on prior contracts with operators such as Südostbahn, Vygruppen, and SNCF. Conceptual work engaged consultants and stakeholders including Abellio (Greater Anglia's former parent), procurement teams from the Department for Transport, and engineering liaison with Network Rail signalling teams. The bodyshell and propulsion architecture reflect inputs from European standards bodies such as EN 15227 and align with accessibility rules influenced by the Equality Act 2010. Manufacture took place at Stadler facilities in Poland and Switzerland, with final commissioning at depots coordinated with Crown Point TMD staff and testing on routes connected to Clacton-on-Sea, Ipswich, and Norwich.
The units are electric multiple units configured in 4-car and 5-car formations with distributed traction, built to operate on 25 kV AC overhead lines used across routes managed by Network Rail. Propulsion systems are derived from Stadler's FLIRT modules and include IGBT-based inverters, asynchronous traction motors, and regenerative braking compatible with National Grid interfaces on the UK rail network. Safety equipment includes Automatic Warning System (AWS), Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS), and compatibility with forthcoming European Train Control System deployments. Bogie design and carbody materials reflect crashworthiness standards promulgated by RSSB engineering guidance. Passenger capacity and axle load limitations were negotiated with Network Rail route planners to ensure compliance with route availability and platform interface constraints at stations like Cambridge, Southend Victoria, and Tottenham Hale.
Greater Anglia deployed the fleet primarily on intercity services between London Liverpool Street and regional destinations including Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and commuter branches to Colchester. Timetabling integration required coordination with the Rail Delivery Group and local transport authorities such as Essex County Council and Norfolk County Council. Services were marketed under Greater Anglia’s brand with staffing and driver training programmes run in conjunction with ASLEF and RMT representation where industrial relations applied. The introduction altered cascade patterns for remaining Class 90 and Class 360 sets, and influenced franchise-level performance metrics reported to the Office of Rail and Road.
During entry into service, units underwent the standard cascade of acceptance testing overseen by Network Rail and safety certification from ORR. Early reliability reports cited issues common to new fleets, such as software integration for traction control and passenger information systems requiring firmware updates coordinated with Stadler engineers and suppliers like Siemens-derived subcontractors. A small number of service disruptions prompted investigations by industry bodies including RSSB, and remedial modifications were carried out at depots supported by warranty terms governed by contractual agreements between Greater Anglia, Stadler, and the Department for Transport franchise framework.
The fleet comprises 26 units in mixed 4-car and 5-car sets maintained at Crown Point TMD near Norwich. Each unit carries a unique fleet number and is registered with Network Rail asset databases. Maintenance schedules follow a regime defined by daily inspections, periodic overhauls, and component life-cycle replacements coordinated with Stadler support contracts. Depot infrastructure upgrades included lifting jacks, wheel lathe access, and staff training compliant with IOSH and ELMR procedures applicable to UK depot operations.
Interior layouts emphasize open gangways, air conditioning, and accessible toilets designed to meet requirements influenced by the Department for Transport and the Equality Act 2010. Passenger information systems include real-time displays integrated with Real Time Passenger Information feeds and automatic announcements compatible with station data from National Rail Enquiries. Seating configurations offer a mix of airline-style and airline/bench combinations, power sockets, and Wi‑Fi provision managed through contracts with communications providers operating on masts overseen by Ofcom regulations. Luggage areas and bicycle spaces were specified after consultation with local councils and user groups including Transport Focus.
Procurement was conducted under a firm order placed with Stadler as part of rolling stock renewal tied to the Greater Anglia franchise agreement managed by the Department for Transport. Financing combined operator financing and manufacturer arrangements, underpinned by warranties and maintenance agreements common to UK rolling stock transactions involving entities such as Rock Rail and rolling stock leasing companies in the ROSCO sector. Contractual terms included delivery schedules, performance benchmarks, and penalties for non‑compliance enforced through franchise oversight and commercial arbitration frameworks.
Category:Stadler FLIRT Category:Electric multiple units of Great Britain