COMMUTERS are set to benefit from more seating, WiFi, and USB ports under every seat as long-awaited new trains are rolled out across the c2c line. 

Driver training has begun with the new Aventra 720 fleet in south Essex and c2c bosses have revealed the new modern trains will be in use by the end of the year. 

The trains were purchased in a £100 million 2017 deal and c2c has received its first delivery of two new Aventra trains of an eventual 12. 

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The Aventra 720s will 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.

c2c managing director Rob Mullen said: “We are pleased to have taken delivery of the first new Class 720 trains.

“These units will now go into driver training to get our teams ready for their introduction to service.

“We are looking forward to offering our customers increased capacity on the c2c route with these brand-new trains. 

“This is the first of the 12 five-carriage Class 720 units we are due to receive.”

The trains had originally been scheduled to enter operation in 2024, but the rail firm managed to accelerate that date.

The firm’s order of 60 carriages will add capacity for more than 5,000 more passengers to c2c’s current fleet.

c2c runs trains from Fenchurch Street to Essex, including stops at Basildon and Southend Central.

Chris Fox, 33, who commutes daily from Chalkwell, said this is exactly what is needed.

He said: “The new class of trains is absolutely what us daily commuters are expecting in terms of improvements when it sometimes appeared as though we are neglected.

“I have been looking forward to getting the new trains on a regular basis as the current fleet feels outdated.

“The improved WiFi and USB ports are also a great addition and will certainly be helpful to a lot of people.

“If this is what the future holds for c2c, I am all for it.”