Refurbished Pendolinos return to the rails
 

Avanti West Coast’s first refurbished Pendolino has returned to service after being transformed as part of the UK’s biggest train upgrade.

 

The tilting, electric powered Pendolinos, or ‘Pendos’, are one of the most iconic train fleets in the UK, transforming train travel between some of Britain’s biggest cities when introduced nearly two decades ago in July 2002.

 

Customers onboard Monday’s 05:05 Manchester Piccadilly to London service were the first to travel on the upgraded Pendolino. They experienced the new, more comfortable seats, a revamped shop and better on-board customer information.

 

Rail Minister Wendy Morton said: “The iconic Pendolino is back and better than ever before. This refurbished version of the classic fleet is 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.”

 

The £117m upgrade programme was two years in the making and involved experts in technology, customer information and ergonomics. Customer improvements include:

  • 25,000 new, ergonomic Standard Class seats;
  • Conversion of one First Class carriage on each of the 35 eleven-carriage Pendolinos to provide more than 2,000 extra Standard Class seats;
  • The introduction of a new onboard shop;
  • Improved lighting and new interior carpets;
  • Greater use of technology with customer-friendly passenger information screens;
  • Additional luggage space in Standard Class;
  • Power points at every seat;
  • New carpets throughout using sustainable British wool;
  • Refurbished toilets and
  • New First and Standard Premium seats

 

For more information, a selection of pictures and videos of all the new features please click here

 

 
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West Coast Partnership Stakeholder Conference
 

The West Coast Partnership’s second annual virtual stakeholder conference on Tuesday 17th May (09:15-13:15) brings together industry experts and senior politicians to discuss the future of rail, including how we attract passengers back, drive regional growth, enhance the customer experience ahead of the introduction of Great British Railways, and build a successful high-speed railway.

 

Join us as we welcome Rail Minister Wendy Morton MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh MP to deliver the keynote speeches, followed by updates from WCP Managing Directors.

 

Two panel sessions will then take place, which will include a list of distinguished speakers – including Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Steve Montgomery, Managing Director First Rail, Chief Executive of Network Rail Andrew Haines, AWC Executive Director of On-Board Customer Experience Philippa Cresswell, Transport for the North Chair Rt Hon The Lord McLoughlin, and Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Transport Focus.

 

The conference is a central part of WCP’s objective to inform, consult and collaborate with stakeholders to continue to deliver our common aims of recovery post covid, and a successful future railway for the benefit of customers and communities.

 

Every session will allow time for Q+A, to ensure you have the opportunity to share your feedback, and ask any questions you may have. There will also be a post-survey feedback form, if you don’t get the opportunity to ask your question or make your comment during the event.

 

You can see the full agenda and sign up to join us here

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