New trains start testing as direct London services to resume

THE first of Avanti West Coast’s fleet of new trains that will serve the North Wales to London route has started dynamic testing.

The train left Hitachi Rail’s factory to begin a two month programme of testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre.

They should enter service in early 2023.

This comes as direct services between the North Wales coast line and London are finally due to resume this month.

Avanti has been under fire from passengers and politicians after slashing services in the region due to staffing problems.

Additional direct services are due to resume on December 11 – although could be impacted by a planned train managers strike on December 11 and 12.

Looking to the future, it is hoped the new trains will provide passengers with an improved journey experience between North Wales and London.

The new fleet will be a mix of ten seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-mode trains, with the ability to switch seamlessly between electric and diesel power. The bi-mode version will be focused on the London to North Wales route as the North Wales Main Line has not undergone electrification despite calls from business and political leaders.

Liam Hockings, New Fleet Introduction Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “The new train looks amazing and we’re looking forward to putting it through its paces over the coming months. These new Hitachi trains will help deliver a step change in the travelling experience of our customers and colleagues, along with a much greener and quieter operation.” Avanti said the new trains offer more space and a quieter journey compared to the diesel-only Voyager trains they replace. It will lead to a 61 percent reduction in carbon emissions.