New trains boost capacity on one of the UK’s busiest rail routes

Capacity has been boosted on one of the UK’s busiest rail routes.

Avanti West Coast said it has launched an initial six Hitachi-built Evero trains on the West Coast Main Line.

The operator’s Evero fleet will eventually consist of 10 electric trains and 13 bi-modes, which can be powered by electricity or diesel.

Avanti West Coast said the bi-modes each have 299 seats, which is 16 per cent more than the Voyager trains they are replacing.

Everos are quieter, have more space for passengers, more reliable Wi-Fi and reduce carbon emissions, the company added.

The introduction of the new trains has also led to additional services between London and Birmingham being added to timetables.

Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors said: “The introduction of our new timetable and the Evero fleet marks an exciting new chapter for our people and customers.

“The investment is also a key part of our plans to support the UK rail industry, and our wider commitment to improve customer experience on the West Coast Main Line.”

Office of Rail and Road figures show Avanti West Coast had the third worst reliability of all operators in Britain in the year to the end of March, with the equivalent of one in 15 trains (6.9 per cent) cancelled.

The brand – owned by FirstGroup and Trenitalia – faces the prospect of increased competition on the West Coast Main Line as predecessor Virgin Trains is developing a plan to run open access services.

Meanwhile, railway caterers are to strike in a dispute over working conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union working on Avanti West Coast trains will walk out on Friday 7 June.

The union said the company imposed rosters that are causing widespread “stress and fatigue”.

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We want our colleagues and business to be able to plan with certainty.

“We would welcome further discussion with RMT to resolve this dispute and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this industrial action will cause to our customers.”