London’s most popular railway is getting a major upgrade, with construction now underway on 10 brand-new Elizabeth line trains to meet booming passenger demand.
The new Aventra Class 345 trains are being built by Alstom in Derby (a city with a proud rail heritage) in a move that will support more than 1,000 UK jobs and nearly 40 British suppliers.
Since opening in 2022, the Elizabeth line has transformed travel across the capital, carrying an average of 800,000 passengers a day and becoming the UK’s busiest railway.
The extra trains, funded by the government, will allow Transport for London (TfL) to boost capacity even further and prepare to serve HS2’s Old Oak Common station in the future.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The start of production in Derby is testament to the Elizabeth line’s success and shows how it’s driving growth well beyond London, powering jobs and industry across the UK.”
According to a new TfL report, Londoners have fully embraced the service. Around 71,000 extra weekday trips are now made across the transport network thanks to the line, with step-free journeys 11% faster on average. Between Paddington and Woolwich, all Elizabeth line stations offer full step-free access, making travel more inclusive and accessible than ever.
The Elizabeth line’s ripple effect continues to reshape London. More than 70,000 homes now have planning permission within 1km of its stations, from Stratford to Southall, showing how strong transport links can drive regeneration, jobs and housing.
In southeast London, journey times have been slashed by up to 40 minutes, opening new opportunities for work and leisure. TfL says the success of the line reinforces the case for extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead, unlocking thousands more homes and jobs in the years ahead.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “Thanks to over £220 million in government funding, this order supports skilled jobs and ensures London’s transport keeps pace with demand, a perfect example of how public investment fuels national growth.”
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1. New Elizabeth Line trains
New Elizabeth Line trains are under construction in Derby | TfL
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2. New Lizzy line trains
Sneak peek at the new Elizabeth Line trains | TfL
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3. Elizabeth line trains
Construction of the new Elizabeth line trains | TfL
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4. New Lizzy line trains
Take a sneak peek at the construction of London's new Elizabeth line trains | TfL