First visit for new Azuma
STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAIN UNDERGOING TESTS BEFORE EAST COAST ROLL-OUT NEXT YEAR
Virgin’s state-of-the-art Azuma train has made its inaugural visit to Sunderland as preparations to transform rail services gather pace.
The iconic train will be rolled out on Virgin Trains’ east coast from next year, ushering in a new era of comfort and style for rail passengers.
The Azuma visited Sunderland in the early hours of Thursday morning. The testrun by manufacturer Hitachi is part of a programme to prepare the east coast for the 65-strong Azuma fleet.
The first of these will enter service in December 2018 as part of a two-year rollout programme, adding 25% more seats per service.
The Azuma is set to be one of the most advance passenger trains on the UK rail network, able to accelerate faster than existing trains and providing more comfort and space.
Hitachi is building the new trains at their factory in the North East of England (Newton Aycliffe, County Durham), home to 1,000 train builders including 50 apprentices.
David Horne, Virgin Trains Managing Director on the east coast route, added: “Azuma will bring a new era of style in long distance rail travel.”
Andy Rogers, programme director for Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “Our rigorous test programme is moving apace ahead of the trains carrying passengers later this year on the East Coast main line. Over the coming months more of our Azuma trains will be testing in Sunderland.”