TWO new Stadler fleets entered traffic in January (RE322), following hot on the heels of two CAF-built diesel multiple unit fleets beginning their main line careers in the final quarter of last year.
Operators are also continuing to put new trains into traffic as manufacturers including Alstom and CAF continue delivering trains, while testing of other fleets not yet in service continues. New locomotives will also begin their testing this year (Class 93s), while Docklands Light Railway and Tyne & Wear Metro will also begin testing new fleets ahead of their entry into service.
The first operator to introduce new trains this year was TfW Rail with its Class 231 diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) fleet. No. 231007 was the first to carry passengers on January 18. Since then, Nos. 231001/002/004/006/008/010 have all made their passenger debut. As this issue of went to press, only one ‘231’ was typically in
