Avanti West Coast adds more seats with summer timetable change
More seats and brand new trains introduced on the West Coast as part of June 2024 timetable.
- New Avanti West Coast timetable adds more seats and services on some routes
- Fleet of Hitachi trains launch on the West Coast as part of new timetable
- New trains, named Evero, will initially serve North Wales and Birmingham routes
Avanti West Coast has added extra seats and introduced new trains as part of its summer timetable change.
Launching today (June 2), the intercity operator’s June timetable, which coincides with the industry timetable changes, now offers more connectivity in the West Midlands – with additional services between London and Birmingham on weekdays and Saturdays.
As part of the new timetable, Avanti West Coast will also introduce its new fleet of Hitachi trains. Named Evero, the 23-strong fleet consists of 10 seven-carriage electric trains (807) and 13 five-carriage bi-modes (805).
They will initially serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and then in the North West. The Class 805 has 299 seats, 16 percent more than the Voyager trains which served this part of the network.
Switching between electric and diesel, the bi-mode versions will principally operate on the London to North Wales route while the electric trains will be focused between London, the West Midlands and Liverpool.
A total of six Evero Class 805s will initially be used on each weekday. The remainder of the fleet will be introduced on the network in due course.
The £350m fleet will be maintained at Alstom’s Oxley depot in the West Midlands, and will work alongside the Pendolino trains, which have recently undergone the largest ever upgrade of its kind in the UK with an £117m investment.
Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors said: “The introduction of our new timetable and the Evero fleet marks an exciting new chapter for our people and customers.
“The investment is also a key part of our plans to support the UK rail industry, and our wider commitment to improve customer experience on the West Coast Main Line.”
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Contact Information
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
More information about Evero is here:
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/about-our-trains/evero
June 2024 Timetable
Additional Weekday trains
- 14:10 London Euston – Birmingham New Street
- 15:10 London Euston – Birmingham New Street
- 15:21 Birmingham New Street – London Euston
- 16:21 Birmingham New Street – London Euston
Additional Saturday trains
- 10:10 London Euston – Birmingham New Street
- 12:21 Birmingham New Street – London Euston
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos have returned to the rails with a £117m investment that’s delivering the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, the programme is transforming all 56 of these iconic trains boasting better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
New Hitachi trains are set to replace our Voyagers from 2024. The 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333