Pendolino trains fleet refurbished

Avanti West Coast rail operator has announced the return to service of the fastest domestic trains in the UK.

The 56 Pendolinos will start operating again after £117m refurbishment works. The trains, capable of reaching up to 125mph speeds, were initially introduced into the West Coast Main Line railway system back in July 2002 by Virgin Trains.

The Pendolino service will be available for routes connecting London, Manchester, Glasgow, Preston, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Following the refurbishment the carriages were upgraded, in terms of better lighting and more comfortable furniture and toilets. The trains will also feature a cosy shop and helpful on-board information for passengers.

"[The customers] will see a dramatic transformation of our well-loved fleet.

"The refurbished Pendolinos look and feel like new trains, with state-of-the-art technology as well as brand new seats that promise best-in-class comfort", commented Phil Whittingham, managing director at Avanti West Coast.

Rail minister Wendy Morton added the revampment of the Pendolinos was "a fantastic example of our cutting-edge rail network and how our railways are leading the way in creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and modern transport system".

One upgraded train is currently in service, while the second is expected to become operational during May. However, all refurbished trains will be available for service by 2024, the company declared.

The refurbishment works currently take place at Alstom's new depot located in Widnes, Cheshire.

 

source: bbc.com