Moorgate

Fast, Reliable and Sustainable

£ 0 M+

Investment Value

The fleet has fully entered into service and has an optimised specification which meets the bespoke needs of Moorgate routes.

 

The units have been gauged for the Victorian tunnels and have the associated necessary safety features for operation in the tunnels, including end doors.

0 new vehicles

25 6-car units, each car c. 20m (total c. 120m)

Class / Train

717 Siemens Desiro (EMUs)

Year agreed: 2016

Year entered into service: 2019

Moorgate - Route
Railway line

Fast, Reliable and Sustainable

The Class 717s operate at speeds up to 85 mph (100 mph after 2025 upgrade) with excellent acceleration and reliable service on commuter routes between Moorgate and Hertfordshire.

Dual-voltage and advanced signalling allow flexible, safe, and efficient operations. With a design life of 35+ years, the fleet delivers faster, smarter, and greener journeys for London commuters.

Benefits

Benefits that move the 
nation forward

From enhanced passenger comfort to greener technology and stronger regional links — the Moorgate fleet delivers long-term value for communities, operators, and the environment.

Flexible Operations

Dual-voltage capability allows seamless operation on overhead and third-rail routes into Moorgate and across Hertfordshire.

Passenger Comfort & Safety

Purpose-built for tight Victorian tunnels, the trains feature spacious interiors, advanced safety systems, fire-retardant materials, and ETCS digital signalling for safer, more reliable travel.

Future-proof Infrastructure Investment

Build on a modern EMU platform with long asset life, the fleet delivers enduring value and remains well aligned to future regulatory and network requirements

Sustainable Travel

Modern, energy efficient units help reduce emission while providing quieter, smoother journeys. Software upgrades in 2025 will further enhance performance.

Reliable, high performing assets

The Class 717 fleet delivers strong reliability across the Moorgate suburban network, supporting consistent operations and reinforcing long-term lease stability.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who built the Moorgate fleet?

Siemens, using its Desiro City platform.

Between 2018 and 2019.

Class 717 EMUs – six-car commuter units.

Yes – purpose-built for Moorgate tunnels, dual-voltage capable, equipped with advanced safety systems, fire-retardant materials, and ETCS signalling.

Rock Rail invested to support the replacement of life-expired rolling stock with modern, reliable and energy-efficient trains. The fleet provides long-term, stable lease revenues while improving capacity, comfort and performance for London commuters.

Passengers benefit from air-conditioning, walk-through carriages, real-time information screens, high accessibility standards, and a layout designed to support rapid boarding during peak hours.

As a fully electric, energy-efficient fleet, the Class 717 helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the continued shift toward greener, more sustainable urban mobility.

Accreditations

Our trusted accreditations

Recognised by leading industry bodies, our accreditations reflect our commitment 
to quality, safety, and sustainability in every project we deliver.

ISO 9001
Cyber Essentials Certified

Driving Net Zero: How Rock Road 
Is Funding the UK’s Bus Transition

Accelerating the shift to clean, affordable, zero-emission transport

Year
2025
Category
Rock Road
Share

The Challenge

The UK bus network is at the heart of everyday travel – but over 30,000 diesel buses still need replacing to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet.

While around 5,000 battery-electric buses are already on the road, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and depot electrification continues to slow the transition. Traditional funding routes — such as government grants or short-term bank finance – have helped start the journey but cannot support decarbonisation at the scale required.

A new, sustainable funding model was needed: one that could attract long-term capital, spread costs fairly, and give operators and authorities confidence in the future.

The Solution

In 2021, Rock launched Rock Road to deliver exactly that –  applying its proven infrastructure financing approach from the rail sector to the UK’s clean bus revolution.

Working with Aviva, the National Wealth Fund, and HSBC, Rock created a dedicated investment platform that channels infrastructure-style finance from pension funds and institutional investors directly into zero-emission bus projects.

This model provides:
  • Access to billions in long-term private capital for fleets and depot electrification.
  • Low-cost, sustainable finance tailored to public-sector needs.
  • Comprehensive risk transfer, including residual value and battery performance, supported by Rock’s in-house team of engineers and asset managers.

Impact

The platform has already raised £100 million, with capacity to scale to £1 billion per year over the next decade – providing a consistent source of affordable capital for local authorities and operators.

Rock’s model ensures that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric buses can now be lower than diesel equivalents, thanks to both cheaper long-term finance and reduced operating costs.

In London, Rock has financed 120 zero-emission buses under 7-year leases aligned with Transport for London’s contract lengths. This structure gives operators flexibility and certainty:

  • Buses can be returned, renewed, or upgraded at the end of term.
  • Lease rates are predictable and capped.
  • Ownership and residual risks sit with Rock, not the operator.

The Future

Rock Road’s ambition is to support the rollout of zero-emission fleets across the UK – helping local authorities and operators meet climate goals without overextending public budgets.

By leveraging limited government funding to attract large-scale private capital – for example, £10 million of public investment unlocking over £250 million in total funding – Rock’s model accelerates decarbonisation while keeping costs low for the public sector.

Our ambition is to make electric buses the default choice - not because of subsidy, but because they are the best economic and environmental option.
Louis Swindell
Commercial Director, Rock Road