Avanti promises 'much-improved travel experience' after £117m upgrade

Avanti has promised passengers 'a much-improved travel experience' following Britain's biggest ever train fleet refurbishment. The under-fire operator said the 56th and final modernised Pendolino train has returned to service following the £117m project.

It's seen 25,000 new seats fitted, a redesigned shop, additional luggage space and better on-board information screens. Other changes include upgraded lighting, refurbished toilets and new carpets.

All 35 Pendolinos with 11 carriages have had one first class carriage converted to standard class. The tilting, electric Pendolinos transformed long-distance rail travel in Britain when they were introduced on the West Coast Main Line by then-operator Virgin Trains in July 2002.

Earlier this month Avanti West Coast began rolling out its new Evero trains, which are replacing diesel-powered Voyagers. The operator's Evero fleet will eventually consist of 10 electric trains and 13 bi-modes which can be powered by electricity or diesel.

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Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors said: "The refurbished Pendolinos, together with our new Evero fleet, are a key part of our mission to transform rail travel for our customers on the west coast route. The Pendolino is an iconic train, and now even better than before, offering customers a much-improved travel experience, with innovation and sustainability at its heart."

The refurb was carried out by manufacturer Alstom at its plant in Widnes. Alstom's UK managing director for services, Peter Broadley, said: "Alstom's successful completion of the UK's biggest ever fleet upgrade demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the journey experience