Greater Anglia bi-mode trains top reliability rankings

Why it matters: The performance data comes from independent industry awards that compare similar types of trains across Britain's rail network, providing passengers with insight into service reliability.

By the numbers:

• Class 755 four-carriage trains won the "most reliable second generation new diesel" category

• Services achieved 23,889 miles between faults

Two other train types received "silver spanner" awards for year-on-year improvement:

• Class 745/1 Stansted Express: 97.4% improvement

• Class 720 commuter trains: 98.4% improvement

The big picture: The figures were revealed at the Modern Railways Fourth Friday Club Golden Spanners Awards, which bases results on statistical reliability data collected over 12 months to 15 September 2024.

How it works: The awards compare similar types of trains against each other to ensure fair comparison, with winners determined by the lowest number of faults recorded.

Between the lines: The Class 755 trains operate on rural lines across East Anglia, including services to and from Ipswich. They were introduced as part of a fleet-wide replacement programme.

Details: Independent industry expert Roger Ford, Modern Railways Industry & Technology Editor, said: "The focus of the Golden Spanners has always been on improving reliability - so for two of Greater Anglia fleets to double their reliability over the last year is particularly impressive."

Bottom line: While the awards represent a snapshot of performance, long-term reliability data shows Greater Anglia has maintained above-average punctuality across its network for over 18 months, with the Ipswich to Felixstowe line achieving 95.4% punctuality.