SLAM-DOOR trains are to be phased out starting this winter as new Electrostar trains near the end of their trials.

Connex South Eastern has said it is on track to meet the Government deadline to replace the old trains completely by 2004.

The new trains have gone through 185,000 of the 200,000 miles worth of testing they are to cover. Once this is over, they will first be introduced on off-peak services.

Connex media relations manager David Ewart said: "By the end of the winter timetable, all the off-peak services should be served by the new 365 and 375 electric trains."

At first the Electrostars will only run with eight carriages as they are heavier and use power differently compared with the old trains.

Mr Ewart said: "The new trains are more energy efficient. But because they are heavier, have faster acceleration and have more service features, such as air conditioning, they use more power on starting."

Connex says the way power is fed to the trains will be updated so the full 12-carriage versions will operate on peak services between May 2002 and 2004.

The company has ordered 55 trains worth £200m from Midlands-based firm Bombardier. They will all be in use by 2004.

Deputy chairman of the Rail Passengers Committee Southern England Peter Lee said: "It is about time these new trains are brought into service. They were supposed to have started running in April 1999. After two years' testing, the problems which were found should have been solved."

November 5, 2001 10:15