Problem-hit SWR Arterio trains stored at Marchwood Military Port

South Western Railway (SWR) is planning to introduce a £1bn fleet of Arterio trains on electrified commuter routes between London Waterloo and destinations in Berkshire and Surrey.

They were due to enter service at the end of 2019 but have yet to carry any passengers.

Marchwood Military Port is hosting some of the new Arterio trains that should have entered service three years ago (Image: Simon Rowley)

SWR has blamed the delay on the impact of the pandemic. However, the trains are reported to have been hit by software faults, problems with the coupling process, faulty windscreen wipers, and cab doors that are difficult to open.

Now some of the long-awaited new carriages are being stored at Marchwood Military Port after arriving from other parts of the country.

The port is served by a surviving section of the old Totton to Fawley railway line - which has been freight-only since the 1960s - and has extensive sidings.

READ MORE: Residents back proposal to reopen Totton-Hythe branch line

One of the new trains was seen passing through the former Marchwood station, providing villagers with a glimpse of what the future might hold.

As reported in the Daily Echo, passenger services on the line could be reintroduced under plans being studied by Network Rail and other organisations. 

If the scheme goes ahead, Marchwood station will be upgraded and a new transport hub built at Hythe.

One of the new Arterio trains passes through Marchwood station, which might be reopened to passengers (Image: Simon Rowley)

The military port is understood to be hosting several Arterio trains amid rumours that modifications might be carried out at the railway engineering works at Eastleigh.

An SWR spokesman said: "The trains are being stored at Marchwood temporarily. We are working to bring them into service as early as possible in 2023."

READ MORE: Councillor raps proposal to restore passenger services on Waterline line

Solent Gateway, which operates the port for the Ministry of Defence, said it had agreed with GB Rail Freight to store Arterio carriages at Marchwood.

They have been built by Alstrom, which acquired the trains' original manufacturer, Bombardier, at the end of 2020.

One of the new Arterio trains passes through Marchwood station, which might be reopened to passengers (Image: Simon Rowley)

Alstom says the trains offer greater capacity, faster acceleration, and wider doors that aim to reduce the amount of time they have to stop at stations.

Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, real-time journey information, cycle racks, dedicated wheelchair and multi-use spaces, and better toilets.

An Alstrom spokesperson said: "Alstom is delighted to report that it has delivered 29 of the contracted-for 10-carriage Arterio trains to South Western Railway and they have been accepted.

"This could not happen if the reported issues were still present.

"Further Arterio trains will continue to be built as contracted, and we very much look forward to seeing these new cutting-edge trains enter service for South Western Railway passengers in the near future."

GB Rail Freight has been contacted for comment.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.

Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.

If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.

They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.