A new generation of comfort is coming for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) passengers on the East Coast Main Line with the introduction of 10 new intercity trains.
LNER has released a fleet name and the latest interior images of the trains, built by manufacturer CAF and financed by Porterbrook, to show passengers what they can expect following their introduction to the UK rail network in the coming years.
The new fleet will help support and accommodate strong demand for rail travel on the East Coast Main Line.
As the UK’s rail industry progresses towards Great British Railways (GBR), the Class 897 trains will be the first new fleet introduced as part of GBR. The trains will be operated under Great British Railways – the new nationalised organisation to run the country’s railway – and will be branded as such on their interior and exterior.
To help them stand apart from the existing Azuma fleet, the new Class 897 trains will be named ‘Serenza’. The name is a hybrid of ‘serene’ and the Spanish-style suffix ‘-enza’, evoking a feeling of peacefulness and calm, combined with energy, movement, and modernity.
The new Class 897 trains will be the first long distance trains in the UK to be tri-mode, meaning they are able to run on overhead electric power, alongside diesel engines and batteries when there are no overhead wires. The 10 carriage trains will each have a total of 569 seats across Standard and First Class, alongside wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Dr Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER, said: “This is an exciting milestone for LNER as we reveal an insight into what our customers can expect from their journeys in the future and unveil a name. Our new fleet will bring more comfortable, more reliable, and greener journeys across the East Coast Main Line for decades to come and we are looking forward to their introduction in the coming years.”
What’s new?
Passengers will benefit from improved seating comfort in both Standard and First Class, with the ability to recline in First Class. New and enhanced seat pads have been developed, side bolsters and head cushions widened, and cushions reshaped to best support customers. Seat materials have been selected to maximise durability and sustainability.
New digital screens in each carriage will keep passengers up-to-date with the latest live journey and safety information. Passengers will also be able to stay hydrated on the move with the introduction of five water bottle refill stations throughout the train.
For cyclists, LNER has listened to and acted on feedback, fully redesigning bike storage areas with easy-to-use bike straps enabling passengers to quickly and efficiently secure their bike while travelling by train.
New, softer lighting, including mood and table lighting in First Class, has been designed to provide passengers with a more comfortable journey, especially when travelling during early mornings and evenings.
LNER has worked closely with its Accessibility Forum to introduce new features on the Class 897 fleet to make journeys easier for disabled passengers and those needing additional assistance.
Tables have been redesigned to give more room for wheelchair users, seat legs have been moved creating additional space for assistance dogs, a grab rail has been installed along the full length of the Café Bar, additional luggage racks will be in carriages with wheelchair spaces to reduce the likelihood of luggage misuse, and braille seat numbers will feature helping visually impaired passengers find their seat more easily.
Overall, a total of 47 recommendations were made by the panel, with the vast majority acted upon and included in the design.
As with the LNER Azuma trains, each seat will have its own plug socket, along with the introduction of USB-C ports for phone charging. At table seats, sockets and USB-C ports will feature in a power bar on the tabletop.
For Standard Class passengers, there will be a new and improved Café Bar, stocked with food and drinks from local suppliers along the LNER route. Digital menu screens will show, in real-time, what is available to be enjoyed.
Toilet facilities have been redesigned with passenger feedback in mind, featuring an improved wash basin design, baby changing tables, and clearer signage in accessible toilets.
While most of the design of the fleet’s interior has been agreed, some minor changes may still be made until the project reaches design freeze.
The new fleet will be introduced in the coming years, with further details to be released as the project progresses.
