Avanti West Coast unveils Climate Train for COP 26
 
 

On 30 October, Avanti West Coast unveiled a special Pendolino train, with a unique sustainability design, to celebrate the Climate Train’s journey from London to Glasgow, marking the start of COP26.

 

This was part of a wider Climate Train special operated between the Netherlands and Scotland to carry passengers to COP26, the international climate change conference in Glasgow, thanks to a partnership between Avanti West Coast, Eurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen, ProRail and Youth for Sustainable Travel. 

 

Official delegations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany joined young people, MEPs, and NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Oxfam, to enjoy one of the more sustainable ways to travel between the continent and COP26.

 

Whilst travelling at 186mph between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and London, youth activists joined politicians and rail experts to debate and exchange ideas, tackling topics such as how to accelerate the modal shift towards sustainable travel and how innovation in rail can support this.

 

On arrival in the UK, delegates made their way between St Pancras and Euston via London’s first “Wellbeing Walk” - an alternative walking route which aims to avoid high levels of pollution on the busier roads.

 

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Our railways are one of the most sustainable ways for people to travel. As we host the world at COP26, I’m proud that our railway is playing its part in the fight against climate change. We are committed to achieving a net zero rail network by 2050, ensuring our railways continue to play a pivotal role in enabling greener, cleaner journeys for passengers.”

 

Phil Whittingham, Managing Director, Avanti West Coast said: “Climate change is a serious threat to everyone on the planet and Avanti West Coast, like the wider rail industry, is committed to cleaner, greener transport for all. By uniting with operators across the continent, the Climate Train’s journey illustrates the ease of travelling between countries providing customers with a sustainable alternative.

 

“But our commitment goes beyond COP26. For example, in the next few years we will be replacing our diesel-only trains with a combination of electric and bi-mode trains that will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.”

 

You can find full press release here.