Major British rail operator LNER has revealed details of its upcoming ‘Serenza’ train fleet, which will feature reclining seats in first class and onboard water refill stations.
The new generation trains are expected to come into service in the ‘coming years,’ and will enhance the journeys of passengers travelling along East Coast Main Line between London to Scotland.
LNER will receive 10 of the new Class 897 long-distance trains – the first introduced as part of Great British Railways (GBR), a new public body being set up by the UK government to run the renationalised UK rail network.
Manufactured by CAF, the new 10-car trains will accommodate 569 passengers across standard and first class cabins, with the latter featuring roomy reclining seats.
New and enhanced seat pads have been developed, side bolsters and head cushions widened, and cushions reshaped to best support customers.
Seat materials have also been carefully selected to maximise durability and sustainability.
Other improved amenities will include five water bottle refilling stations throughout the train, and digital screens in each carriage to provide information.
Passengers can also keep their devices fully charged with built-in USB-C ports and power sockets at every seat.
LNER has announced details of its new ‘Serenza’ train fleet, which will feature reclining seats in first class and onboard water refill stations
The Class 897 long-distance trains are set to enhance the journeys of passengers travelling along East Coast Main Line between London to Scotland
The 10-carriage trains will offer 569 passengers across standard and first class cabins, with the latter (pictured) featuring comfortable reclining seats
As for accessibility, the trains will include improved, spacious wheelchair areas, redesigned bike storage with straps, and better luggage capacity.
Tables have also been redesigned to give more room for wheelchair users, seat legs have been moved, creating additional space for assistance dogs, and a grab rail has been installed along the full length of the Café Bar.
There will also be additional luggage racks in carriages with wheelchair spaces to reduce the likelihood of luggage misuse, and braille seat numbers will feature helping visually impaired customers find their seat.
For Standard Class customers, there will be a new and improved Café Bar, stocked with delicious food and drinks from local suppliers along the LNER route.
Digital menu screens will show, in real-time, what is available to be enjoyed.
Toilet facilities have been redesigned with customer feedback in mind, featuring an improved wash basin design, baby changing tables, and clearer signage in accessible toilets.
Equipped with tri-mode technology, the new Class 897 fleet can also operate seamlessly on electric, diesel, and battery power.
Dr Linda Wain, engineering director at LNER, said: ‘This is an exciting milestone for LNER as we reveal an insight into what our customers can expect from their journeys in the future and unveil a name.
Upgraded amenities will include water bottle refilling stations throughout the train, and digital screens (pictured) in each carriage that will provide information to passengers
In terms of accessibility, there will be new wheelchair areas, redesigned bike storage with straps, and better luggage capacity
Dr Linda Wain, engineering director at LNER, said: ‘Our new fleet will bring more comfortable, more reliable and greener journeys across the East Coast Main Line for decades to come’
‘Our new fleet will bring more comfortable, more reliable and greener journeys across the East Coast Main Line for decades to come.’
LNER has not yet announced the exact date the new trains will come into operation, but passengers are expected to hear further details in the near future as ‘the project progresses’.
For those who can’t wait for the gleaming new fleet – and enjoy a little luxury on their rail journeys – there’s a little-known hack passengers can use on Great Western Railway trains to enjoy a full restaurant experience.
Travellers on select Great Western Railway services who hold a standard ticket can pay £40 to upgrade to Pullman Dining – one of the few remaining dining cars on Britain’s mainline trains.
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