Greater Anglia has finished installing tables across all Stansted Express trains more than two months ahead of schedule, completing a key upgrade designed to improve comfort for airport-bound passengers and those travelling on some of the operator’s intercity services. The Class 745/1 fleet, which runs between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, also operates a small number of services linking Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester with the capital, meaning that customers on those routes will benefit from the enhancements too.

The improvement focuses on bays of four seats, which until now did not include fixed tables. While fold-down seat-back trays were already available for most passengers, the lack of full tables had become a notable issue for those wanting more space to work or place drinks and personal items. When the fleet was initially ordered, it was expected that the trains would operate only limited services on the Great Eastern Main Line. However, they have since covered far more journeys than originally planned, and passenger feedback underscored the importance of providing table space, particularly on longer intercity trips but also on airport services.

In response, the operator worked with Stadler, manufacturer and maintainer of the fleet, to design and install new tables in every bay of four seats. The work had to be carried out in phases, as Greater Anglia sought to keep the fleet in service as much as possible to support what the operator describes as some of the most reliable performance levels in the country. Instead of removing full trains from operation for extended periods, the installations were delivered incrementally.

The joint upgrade programme was first announced in February 2024 and began in July. Thanks to what the company describes as well-coordinated planning, the rollout was completed significantly earlier than anticipated, allowing customers to benefit sooner from the extra facilities.

Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial and Customer Service Director, said:

“We are pleased to have delivered this significant upgrade, which means we are providing a better service for our customers, and which directly addresses feedback from passengers on the need for tables on all of our intercity services. We always seek to address our customers’ priorities for high service standards and ongoing improvements. Our high-quality new trains have been very well received, but this was a further enhancement which had been highlighted by many customers, so we’re glad to confirm that we have completed it ahead of time, with benefits for both our Stansted Express and intercity customers.”

Image: Greater Anglia