A fleet of dual-voltage Class 387 Electrostars has been ordered by rolling stock leasing company Porterbrook for delivery from October 2016, although currently no operator is lined up for the trains.

The order with Bombardier is for 80 vehicles, to be formed into 20 four-car trains. Full delivery will be completed by June 2017.

In a statement released on November 2, Porterbrook said: “These new trains will help satisfy the future demand for mid-distance electric trains which currently represent approximately 50% of all passenger trains in the UK. They will be required for the lines to be electrified in the near future, and they will be used to alleviate higher than forecast passenger growth and overcrowding.”

  • For more on the deal, read RAIL 787, published on November 11.