Avanti West Coast onboard to celebrate Railway 200
Avanti West Coast names a Pendolino Railway 200 as part of its plans to mark 200 years of Britain's modern railway.
- Pendolino train named ‘Railway 200’ at The Greatest Gathering
- Train renumbered as part of the year-long celebrations to mark birth of modern railway in 1825
- West Coast Main Line operator announces plans for non-stop record run between London and Glasgow
Avanti West Coast has named one of its Pendolino trains at an event in Derby to mark celebrations marking 200 years of Britain’s modern railway.
The iconic tilting train has been named Railway 200, and was one of the showpiece attractions at the launch event for Alstom’s ‘The Greatest Gathering’. It will feature in the train operator’s plans to mark the year-long celebration.
Alstom’s Derby site will be home to the UK’s largest gathering of historic rolling stock in August 2025. With another Pendolino set to feature, the three-day festival aims to raise thousands for Railway 200 charities and the rail heritage sector.
The Pendolino train, which has been temporarily renumbered 390200, also sports the Railway 200 logo on its cab ends.
Avanti West Coast also announced plans to attempt a non-stop run between London and Glasgow later this year, aiming to beat the record of three hours, 52 minutes and 40 seconds set in 1984.
Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said: “Railway 200 is a chance to celebrate the important role the UK rail industry has played in history over the last two centuries. It’s our chance to tell the story and inspire the railway workers of the future.
“We should be proud of the part we have played and look forward to its exciting future. Our newly named ‘Railway 200’ Pendolino will be seen the length and breadth of the West Coast Main Line, a route at the heart of the UK’s rail network, and just one of a number of events we have planned in the coming months.”
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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 returned to the rails in June 2024 following a £117m investment programme that’s delivered the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, all 56 of these iconic trains have been transformed and now boast better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024 and will replace our Voyagers. Built by Hitachi, 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
About Railway 200
Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail. It invites community, rail and other groups to get involved.
Starting in January 2025, a wide variety of activities and events are being planned to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future. Born in Britain, rail quickly spread across the globe. Next year, Railway 200 will showcase how the railway shaped and continues to shape national life.
For all the latest news, visit the Railway 200 website: