REGIONAL train operator c2c celebrated its new Class 720 trains entering passenger service with a surprise tribute to former managing director, Julian Drury.

As part of the introduction of the new fleet of trains, c2c colleagues came together to see one of the new Class 720s pull in at London Fenchurch Street station. The occasion was also attended by Mr Drury, who retired in 2020 after 12 years of service and was overwhelmed to see the 720 unit had been named after him.  

He said: "I was very surprised to arrive this morning to find my name on the first of the 720s; I feel tremendously honoured. 

"This is a very important step for c2c and its customers. The trains look stunning and are the best fleet that I've seen in the UK; it's wonderful that we've got them here to serve our South Essex customers." 

Current managing director, Rob Mullen, said: "It was a fantastic day for c2c and we're so pleased to have brought in our new Class 720's, which our customers will see the real benefit of.  

"Everyone has played a part in making sure these trains are in service, and of course we give our thanks to Porterbrook and Alstom, our partners, the Department for Transport and Network Rail for making this happen," he added. 

The British-built trains are designed to increase capacity across the route, improving the experience for customers travelling between London and South East Essex.  

The new five-carriage 720 units can be coupled together to form ten-carriage trains, are longer with more seats and boast the addition of power and USB sockets at every seat, improved Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The units also benefit from open gangways, which are designed to make it easier for customers to walk between carriages and have improved accessibility features as well as toilets on every train and dedicated cycle spaces. 

c2c's Operations & Engineering Director, Laura McEwen added: "What an achievement! The teams across the whole of c2c have worked tirelessly to make this happen. I'm so proud of the fact that not only have we started running these trains in passenger service, but we've also had a special train named after our former Managing Director, Julian Drury, who is very close to our hearts." 

As c2c progresses with driver training over the coming months, customers can expect to see more of the new 720 units across the route, helping to bolster capacity as they are added into passenger service.