British Rail Class 334
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The British Rail Class 334 is a suburban electric multiple unit built by Alstom in Birmingham. They are part of the Coradia Juniper family of trains along with classes 458 and 460. They were built for SPT/Scotrail outer suburban services in Glasgow, UK. Their introduction saw the withdrawal of the last of Glasgow's venerable Class 303 "Blue Train" sets which had been in service since 1960.
Although delivered to Strathclyde in 2000, they did not enter passenger service until 2002 due to a large number of teething problems (in common with other Juniper-based classes) and technical failures which plagued the new units at their introduction.
SPT purchased a total of 40 units, which can be seen in use daily all across the SPT electric network. They are most commonly seen on the Argyle line, but they are also a common sight on the Ayrshire and Inverclyde lines. They are less common on the Cathcart Circle line, which is served mainly by the aging class 314 units, and the North Clyde line, which is served mainly by the class 320 units. On the North Clyde Line, the trains mainly run in 6-car formation (2x3-car units) on weekday mornings, and 3-car services terminating at High Street on Saturdays.
The new Larkhall line opened in December 2005. SPT had ordered 38 Juniper units originally, but two were added to the order as a goodwill gesture due to the problems with the class 170 Turbostar fleet and earmarked for use on the Larkhall line. (334 039 and 334 040). Additional Units are to be ordered for several new routes in Scotland (A-B & GARL), however they will NOT be 334's.
[edit] Announcement Systems
In line with other SPT electric units (classes 318 and 320), the 334's are fitted with automatic announcement systems. These originally featured a woman with a strong Glasgow accent who was always criticised by commuters, and nicknamed "Annoying Annie"[citation needed] but has since been replaced by Scottish actress Fletcher Mathers. In March 2006 to coincide with the Scottish legislation banning smoking in public places, the Passenger Information Systems (PIS) were updated to inform customers of the ban at Stations where public buildings are in use.
The format of the announcement systems are as follows:
Approaching station: We are now approaching X. Please mind the gap when alighting from this train.
Approaching Interchange station: We are now approaching Y. Change here for stations to A, Stations to B, the Subway, and customers please note a no smoking policy is in operation at this station. Please refrain from smoking until you are clear of the station building. Thank you. Please mind the gap when alighting from this train.
At station. This is X, this train is for Y, the next stop is Z.
At second-last station. This is X. The next stop is Y, where this train will terminate.
At terminated station. This is Y, where this train will terminate. Please ensure that you take your luggage and personal belongings with you when leaving the train.
The announcement system is well known to be unreliable[citation needed]. The announcements often get out of sync with the train's location and First ScotRail's regular amendments to the information system usually lead to more errors and incorrect interchange information.[citation needed]
[edit] Named Units
- 334 001
- Donald Dewar
- 334 021
- Larkhall
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