Premium ticket edges standard into third class
NEW rail operator Avanti West Coast is to launch a ‘premium economy-type’ class on newlyrefurbished Pendolino trains through Birmingham.
The news came on the first working day of the new West Coast Mainline franchise on Monday.
Avanti West Coast has replaced Virgin Trains, with the red and white livery of Virgin changing to the new operator’s dark green, white and orange triangle design.
The current fleet of 56 Pendolino trains is due to undergo a full ‘refurbishment and refresh’ next year, the operator said.
The first revamped Pendolino is expected to return to service by early autumn 2020.
Avanti managing director Phil Whittingham said a ‘premium economy-type style’ class would be offered to passengers, although no fares have been revealed. It will mean three classes of travel are to be offered on Britain’s domestic railway for the first time in decades.
Trains running on Britain’s mainline railway currently only have standard class or first class.
But passengers who want an upgrade without buying the most expensive tickets will be able to obtain an enhanced service once Avanti West Coast finalises its plans.
Mr Whittingham, who previously held the same role at Virgin Trains, said: “We know there is going to be three classes. It is going to be a first class, a premium economy-type style and economy.”
He said passengers in premium economy could be entitled to ‘the bigger seat, better wi-fi and snacks rather than a meal.”
Matthew Gregory, chief executive of FirstGroup, which jointowns the franchise with Italian firm Trenitalia, said the change in policy was “about balancing and being flexible within the train”.
He said: “Obviously first class can be quite expensive, so there are different price points between standard class and first class and it is about seeing if we can offer a more flexible offering that suits more price points.”
Third-class rail travel was abolished in Britain in 1956 and renamed second class before later being branded standard class.