England cricket legend Stuart Broad has joined South Western Railway (SWR) at London Waterloo to mark the introduction of their new Arterio train fleet, naming one of the trains the Nighthawk. Broad, who took his last two Test wickets at The Oval in Vauxhall, was on hand to unveil the latest addition to SWR’s expanding fleet of 90 high-capacity trains.
The £1 billion Arterio fleet will transform suburban journeys across the SWR network, providing a significant upgrade in both capacity and customer comfort. The new trains will serve a variety of routes, with five already in operation between Windsor & Eton Riverside and Shepperton, calling at major stations like Wimbledon and Richmond.
At the unveiling, Broad reflected on the emotional connection between trains and sport: “One of the highlights of my career was taking the final wicket in my last Test match at The Oval. It’s exciting to think of the Nighthawk journeying across London, connecting fans to iconic sporting destinations. Trains bring sports fans to the heart of the action and build excitement before the game even begins.”
The Nighthawk train name is particularly poignant for Broad, who played the role of “Nighthawk” in his career – taking on a nightwatchman role in the first Test of England’s 2023 series against New Zealand. This was a fitting tribute to his cricket legacy, as Broad also took 34 Test wickets at The Oval throughout his illustrious career, including the final two in the 2023 Ashes series.
SWR celebrated this occasion by naming additional Arterio trains in honour of notable sporting venues served by the network. The Jockey train pays homage to horseracing destinations such as Ascot, Sandown, and Kempton Park, while the Red Rose recognises English rugby at Twickenham. The Ace train is named after Wimbledon, and the Thames Racer salutes the iconic Boat Race.
The Arterio fleet’s arrival is a milestone for SWR, with 74 stations set to benefit from the new trains by June 2025. These trains boast 50% more capacity than the eight-car Class 455 trains they replace, and they come equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, real-time information, and charging points at every seat.
Stuart Meek, Interim Managing Director for SWR, commented on the importance of the rollout: “The Arterio fleet is more than just a new set of trains; it’s a symbol of connection. These trains link people with the exciting events and destinations across our suburban services.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy also expressed his approval, stating: “The Arterio trains will improve services for commuters, offering more capacity, comfort, and reliability. These new trains were proudly built in the UK, showcasing the strength of our rail manufacturing sector.”
The Arterio trains are part of a major investment in SWR’s services, bringing increased capacity, sustainability, and comfort to commuters across London and the surrounding areas.