RAIL commuters were faced with a new addition to their daily travel routine as they step aboard a new train.

Passengers were quick to take to social media this morning to express their surprise of c2c’s new fleet being in service.

The £100 million Aventra 720 locomotives were purchased in 2017 with users now benefitting from more seating, Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports under every seat.

They ordered 60 carriages, which will add capacity for more than 5,000 extra passengers to the rail operator’s fleet.

Echo: In use - one of the new c2c trains at Benfleet stationIn use - one of the new c2c trains at Benfleet station (Image: Newsquest)

c2c had originally scheduled the trains to enter operation in 2024, but the rail firm managed to accelerate that date.

When approached by the Echo yesterday for an update on the new trains, c2c said: "Our customers can expect the 720 trains to be in passenger service very soon. 

“We are currently continuing with driver training and completing final checks to ensure the launch goes ahead smoothly."

They have once again been contacted for a comment.

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