AVANTI MOVES FORWARD ON WEST COAST

avanti West Coast is the name of the new intercity operation from Firstgroup and Trenitalia who take over the franchise from Virgin Trains on December 8.

Italian for 'forward', Avanti “reflects a mission to deliver an innovative railway service that is ready for today and fit for the future”, according to the new operators. The operators will refurbish 56 Pendolino trains, introduce a fleet of new trains and add 263 services per week by 2022. The 400-mile long route serves cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow as well as London and North Wales.