The vehicles now feature 2+2 seating in standard class, new carpet, at-seat power sockets, LED lighting, onboard Wi-Fi and real-time passenger information displays. First class has been upgraded with new leather seats and tables.
The propulsion system was also upgraded from the existing dc traction equipment to an ac system incorporating IGBT technology to increase reliability and efficiency. A new braking system supplied by Knorr-Bremse has also been installed, which will improve the environmental performance of the trains and lower operating costs by enabling regenerative braking.
The class 442s were first reintroduced last year, but were pulled from service in September over concerns they were wrongly turning signals yellow or red.
