Table service being rolled out on Avanti West Coast trains

TRAIN users who frequent Coventry Railway Station will be able to get food and drink delivered without having to leave their seat - as Avanti West Coast has introduced a delivery service onboard its trains.

Previously, table, or at-seat service was only available for first class passengers, but following a successful trial period, the train operator has revealed that they are planning to roll it out across their entire fleet.

Bosses at Avanti revealed that as a result of coronavirus fears, passengers may feel uncomfortable walking through trains to reach the shop, and as a result, decided to bring the shop to passengers.

With an app-based ordering system, the process is contactless - as payment is made through card or Paypal, before being delivered by a member of staff.

Avanti, which manages Coventry Railway Station, and is responsible for many services which connect the city with London Euston, Birmingham New Street, and the north, has said that they are also testing a click and collect service.

This would give customers the option to order at their seat, before getting a text notification when it is ready to collect - in a bid to reduce queues and crowded space around the shop carriage - which have all been fitted with protective screens and floor markings to keep staff and customers as safe as possible.

The trials are known as At Seat Order and it has been confirmed that the onboard shop will remain open if customers prefer to buy their food and drink in the more traditional way.

Earlier in the year, the at-seat service for first class passengers was halted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, this was first restored to Pendolino services last month, before being brought back to Voyager trains last week. Sarah Copley, executive director, commercial at Avanti West Coast said: “We’re always striving to improve the experience for our customers and these new services will let customers choose the most convenient way for them to buy food and drink. The feedback so far has been really positive.

“For those travelling on their own or who don’t want to leave their seat - this is a perfect solution. “Alongside our increased safety measures, this innovation enables customers to pay for their items digitally providing them with even more reassurance when they travel with Avanti West Coast.”

We’re always striving to improve the experience for our customers

Sarah Copely, Avanti West Coast