Electrostars on Southern Commuter Routes

[wnr1990]

Just wondering what the long term plan is for these?

Ever since the 455s went out of service, all of Southern's suburban routes have been operated by 377s. This just seems like a strange choice of rolling stock to me, as these lines are quite slow and a lot of the time they must average about 30mph (especially on the Victoria-Selhurst stopper). It seems a bit of a waste considering they can go 100mph.

Surely the city Desiros would be a better choice?

 

[Snow1964]

I think it was more a case of had plenty of 377s, some longer distance trains had been culled or formations shortened in pandemic, so some were short term spare.

I agree, a poor choice if starting from clean sheet of paper.

Longer term, as in within life of 377s, will all depend on if passenger numbers grow back

 

[JonathanH]

Ever since the 455s went out of service, all of Southern's suburban routes have been operated by 377s. This just seems like a strange choice of rolling stock to me, as these lines are quite slow and a lot of the time they must average about 30mph (especially on the Victoria-Selhurst stopper). It seems a bit of a waste considering they can go 100mph.

Many of the 377s were built for Metro services in the first place. The 4-car units cycle between short and long distance services throughout the course of a year.

Having a common fleet makes maintenance, spares and utilisation more efficient.

 

[PGAT]

As someone who commutes on the Southern metro network the 377s are about the best trains you could reasonably ask for. It's not a waste at all

 

[JonathanH]

As someone who commutes on the Southern metro network the 377s are about the best trains you could reasonably ask for. It's not a waste at all

Indeed, there is a lot to be said for that view. Having a well equipped, well maintained train turn up on a metro service is a lot better than some more basic offering.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Surely the city Desiros would be a better choice?

The Electrostars were already there and ready. Where are you getting the Desiro Cities from?

 

[Recessio]

For the inner services (ie wholly or mostly within Greater London) I would prefer a 378 style interior, when it's super crowded in the morning. But, otherwise they're great trains, except for when Southern feel the need to crank the AC to full power - I shouldnt need a jumper on the train when it's 30°C outside!

 

[LLivery]

I think they're fine, have been since they were introduced. I'd say they're the best Electrostars along with the 375s

For the inner services (ie wholly or mostly within Greater London) I would prefer a 378 style interior, when it's super crowded in the morning. But, otherwise they're great trains, except for when Southern feel the need to crank the AC to full power - I shouldnt need a jumper on the train when it's 30°C outside!

Try a 378 at 08:30 on the Sydenham Corridor. I actively avoid it for the 377s now.