THE LAST of c2c’s new £100million fleet of trains will officially hit the tracks across south Essex this summer, bosses have revealed.

Five of the 12 new 720 trains have already been rolled out across south Essex with three running in the morning peak and two in the evening peak.

c2c say they now expect the final six 720 units to be unveiled and in service this summer.

The new trains have been a huge hit with passengers and commuters since they were initially added after years of anticipation.

Chris Fox, 33, from Westcliff, is a regular commuter who has been using the new trains.

He said: “I have become used to the new trains as my morning commute, and my evening commute, if I am quick enough, rgetting the 720 to and from Fenchurch to Southend East.

“I enjoy the new trains. I am happy to know they will be in more constant operation for other time slots, as it is just nice to have a well-functioning train to rely on.

“Air conditioning, better WiFi, charging devices at the seat, more toilets, and less barriers between carriages what is not to love.

“I know a few people have complained about the seating being hard, but my views on that are generally I don’t find them bad at all and the commute isn’t long enough for it to be an issue.

“I am so pleased to hear from the summer there will be even more 720s going forward. Since I have used them so much, I get a little disappointed when I end up on the old trains now.”

The Aventra 720s offer more seating and are “open gangway”-style which allows customers to walk between carriages more easily.

They also boast dedicated cycle stores, power and USB ports for every seat, WiFi, improved passenger information screens, and toilets.

A spokesman for c2c said: “At present three of our new 720 units are running in the morning peak and two in the evening peak.

“Our driver training programme and software testing for the new trains is still underway so we expect all of our 12 five-car units to enter passenger service this summer.

“We are pleased to say that feedback has been very positive with our customers enjoying the improved on-train facilities such as the open gangway, power and USB ports and toilets.”