Train operator Greater Anglia are recycling and reusing some of the major components from their old trains as they are sent for scrap.

The engineering team at Greater Anglia’s Ilford depot spotted the opportunity for a green approach when the new electric trains from Alstom were introduced.

Parts such as the traction motors are expensive and have long lead times, they have been taken from the outgoing Class 317 fleet used on the Cambridge to London Liverpool Street and Hertford East branch line.

These can be used on other Class 317 trains on the West Anglia route, a benefit to the environment and saving money at the same time.

Thousands of pounds will have been saved by reusing the thirty-six traction motors which have been repurposed.

Every train on the Greater Anglia network will be replaced, with new trains due on the West Anglia route later this year, The full introduction is due to be completed by summer next year.

Martin Beable, Greater Anglia Engineering Director, said: “Our engineering team worked with the companies from which we lease the trains to see how we could recycle components. Several factors were considered including the number of miles and the age of the traction motors.

“This has been a huge team effort and the teams involved have put in a lot of hard work. It’s great that we’ve been able to recycle components and save money at the same time.”

Matthew Prosser, Asset Management Director at Angel Trains, commented: “We are delighted to support our industry partner Greater Anglia on this project by providing technical and analytical assistance on recycling and repurposing these components. Our ‘cradle to grave’ approach to asset management informs everything that we do as a business, and we are pleased that this initiative has delivered that for our customer by giving these Class 317 trains a new lease of life.”

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