Refurbished Pendolino Trains Promise Enhanced Travel Experience

Avanti West Coast has completed a significant £117m refurbishment of its iconic Pendolino fleet, offering travelers a much-improved journey across the UK. The final train entered service this week, marking the conclusion of the UK’s largest fleet upgrade project, which has revitalized 574 carriages over two years.

Travelers can now enjoy a host of new features aimed at enhancing their comfort and convenience. The refurbished Pendolinos, serving routes between London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, now boast 25,000 new ergonomic Standard Class seats. Additionally, more than 2,000 extra Standard Class seats have been added by converting one First Class carriage on each of the 35 eleven-carriage trains.

Passengers will appreciate the introduction of a new onboard shop, improved lighting, and refurbished seating in both First Class and Standard Premium. Enhanced passenger information screens make it easier to stay informed during the journey, while additional luggage space and power points at every seat cater to modern travel needs. The refurbishments also include refurbished toilets and new carpets made from sustainable British wool, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly travel environment.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, emphasized the positive impact of the refurbished Pendolinos on the travel experience. He highlighted the focus on innovation and sustainability, aiming to make rail travel on the west coast route more appealing and enjoyable for customers.

Peter Broadley, Alstom’s Services Managing Director UK, acknowledged the dedication of the Widnes team in completing the extensive upgrade. He noted that the project enhances the journey experience for passengers and supports the growth of sustainable rail travel in the UK.

The refurbishment project also benefits the UK economy, with 80 percent of the £117m investment sourced from UK suppliers. This collaborative effort between Avanti West Coast, Alstom, and Angel Trains demonstrates a strong commitment to improving rail travel standards.

Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, expressed confidence that passengers will appreciate the transformed Pendolinos. He believes the upgrades will encourage more people to choose train travel on the West Coast Main Line, enhancing comfort and connectivity for all.

These improvements are part of broader changes on the west coast route, including the introduction of innovative Standard Premium and Superfare tickets and the recent launch of the brand-new Evero fleet. For travelers, this means a more comfortable, convenient, and sustainable journey, reinforcing the appeal of rail travel in the UK.