EAST Anglian-based rail operator 'one' was today showing off its new-look trains which should transform travel to London over the next few months.It is currently rebuilding a fleet of Mark 3 carriages which are being introduced on InterCity trains between London and the region.
EAST Anglian-based rail operator 'one' was today showing off its new-look trains which should transform travel to London over the next few months.
It is currently rebuilding a fleet of Mark 3 carriages which are being introduced on InterCity trains between London and the region.
About half have so far been introduced and the rest should come into service over the next few months.
Already the company has introduced newer more powerful locomotives to power the trains.
The Mark 3 vehicles, leased from Porterbrook are being refurbished in Derby by Bombardier.
They feature upgraded restaurant vehicles which are being rebuilt in Doncaster, a new livery and new dedicated accommodation for customers with disabilities.
About half of the new vehicles are in service and the programme is scheduled for completion in the summer.
Andrew Goodrum, Business Director Mainline for 'one' said: “We are making excellent progress with the transformation of our fleet of Mainline trains, improving reliability and the overall experience for passengers with much improved and more attractive trains.”
The new trains will replace the ageing “Anglia Railways” carriages which are still used on some services and are now showing their age.
The Mark 3 carriages were originally introduced by British Railways in the late 1970s, but are recognised as the finest ever to run on Britain's network.
They have been transferred to East Anglia after being in service on the west coast line from London to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Train facts:
'one' is spending £25 million on new trains.
There are 15 Class 90 electric locomotives.
There are 14 nine and ten-coach train sets.
The trains are stored and maintained at Crown Point, Norwich.
There are 15 driving cars (at the opposite end of the train to the locomotive).
'one' has 119 carriages in total for its InterCity trains.
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