Avanti West Coast’s Voyager fleet is to benefit from an upgrade with the first train to be completed later this month.
The 20 Voyagers - which operate over the non-electrified sections of the West Coast Main Line in addition to running from London to Scotland, via the West Midlands - are being overhauled following an £8.3m deal which was signed with Bombardier last year.
They are due to start being replaced by 2022 but Avanti wanted to enhance passenger experiences over the next couple of years.
New Standard Class seats covers, saloon and carpets will be included as part of the overhaul as well as a revamped toilet area.
All lighting will also be replaced with LEDs.
The interior bodyside and ceiling panels in standard class saloons, vestibules as well as toilets will also be repainted.
It was announced last year that the West Coast Main Line will take delivery of 23 new Hitachi Rail Classes 805 and 807 trains in 2022 to replace the Voyagers.
Avanti West Coast Executive Director, Projects, Andy Barnes, said: “We know that ultimately our Voyagers will be retired from the West Coast Main Line.
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“But with two years on the rails, we wanted to improve them and not leave them as they are. All these improvements should enhance the customer experience and, as you will see from the images, will leave them looking very smart.
“It’s a significant investment that shows we will take every opportunity to invest and improve our product and service wherever we can.”
Bombardier Transportation’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Bentley, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Avanti West Coast on this fleet upgrade. The Voyager remains a great train and by refreshing the customer environment we can keep them that way.”
All 20 sets are set be completed by December 2020. They will be upgraded at Bombardier’s site in Ilford, east London.