Avanti West Coast introduce electric Evero trains as services to Liverpool increase

• New Evero class 807 launch heralds more services on London to Liverpool route
  
  
• More trains set to be rolled out as part of the £350m investment in the Avanti West Coast fleet
  
  
• New fleet will help deliver more seats with plans for more services later this year

Avanti West Coast’s £350m investment in its new Evero fleet reached an important milestone today with their first run in service on the Liverpool to London route.

Evero 807001 departed Liverpool Lime Street at 0901, returning later in the day, to supplement the current hourly service. These additional weekday departures are part of Avanti West Coast’s plans to run more services between Liverpool and the capital

As well as Liverpool, the new seven carriage trains, each having 451 seats, will also run between London, the West Midlands and Blackpool, with further increases planned as part of next month’s timetable uplift.

This follows the inaugural Class 807 passenger service between London and Birmingham last month, building on the successful launch of its Class 805 Evero stablemate, which recently celebrated 150 days in service on the West Midlands, Chester and North Wales routes.

Maintained at Alstom’s Oxley depot in the West Midlands, the 23 strong Evero fleet includes the 10 electric Class 807s as well as the 13 bi-mode Class 805s which are replacing the Voyager trains – offering a greener alternative. They will work alongside the Pendolino trains, which have recently undergone the largest ever fleet upgrade in the UK thanks to a £117m investment.  

Built by Hitachi at its factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, the Evero fleet is quieter and roomier than its predecessor. Customer benefits include wireless charging for electrical devices, improved Wi-Fi, more seats than the trains they replace and greater legroom thanks to a more ergonomic design, larger luggage racks and more real-time customer information screens which are easier to read.

The new trains also feature improved wheelchair spaces with contrasting carpet and a large accessibility symbol, so customers do not place their luggage in this space. There will be improvements to the accessible toilets compared to the previous fleet as well as Braille and large print labels on seats.

Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors said: “The introduction of the Class 807 Evero on our network marks a significant milestone. The feedback from our people and customers about our new fleet has so far been fantastic and it’s created a real buzz about our services. I’m confident these new trains will provide a significant step change in comfort and a much greener way to travel.

“The challenge we have is to now build on this excitement, which coupled with our recent upturn in performance and plans to run more services, will improve connectivity to the regions we serve and encourage more people to opt for rail.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The launch of the first fully electric Evero service between Liverpool and London is a landmark moment for our region. 

“The £350 million investment in greener, more comfortable trains is not only a step towards a more sustainable future, but also a huge boost for connectivity and the local economy.

“Here in the Liverpool City Region, we know all about how important good-quality trains are, so it’s exciting to see this new fleet offering people more options for travel. The new service will not only make it easier for people to travel between Liverpool and the capital, but it supports our efforts to make the Liverpool City Region a thriving, green economy.

“I’m excited to see how this will contribute to a more sustainable transport network and help to connect communities across the country.”

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce C.I.C added: “The enhanced quality and improved frequency of services between Liverpool and London will really benefit businesses and the economy in the Liverpool City Region. We are particularly pleased that the city’s call to improve the frequency of services has been listened to and acted upon by Avanti West Coast and partners.

“Better connected and more frequent rail services for Liverpool will create greater opportunities for our businesses to attract talent from a wider catchment area, will support our outstanding visitor and cultural offer and also enable enhanced onward connectivity with other regions and cities across the country. It is another step towards enabling a well-connected City Region, capable of maximising its growth potential.

“We fully welcome today’s commencement of additional services and look forward to these scaling up in the coming months ahead.” 

Managing Director of Services at Alstom UK and Ireland, Peter Broadley, said: “Alstom is proud to support Avanti West Coast as we welcome their new trains to our Midlands Traincare Facility in Oxley, where they will be serviced and cleaned around-the-clock. 

“Alongside the newly refurbished Pendolinos, Alstom continues to play a strategic role in helping Avanti West Coast enhance connectivity and rail service quality on this essential UK route.”

Jim Brewin, Head of UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: “Evero demonstrates yet another significant and successful milestone for our world class manufacturing teams in Newton Aycliffe Co. Durham. In collaboration with our local UK and global supply chain, Hitachi Rail has delivered the first trains of a 23-strong fleet which is a true testament to the resilience and determination of everyone involved in this remarkable project.

“Alongside our partners and stakeholders, Hitachi Rail are thrilled to be able to spread the benefits of our rolling stock and improve passenger journeys on the West Coast.”