Avanti West Coast electrifies Liverpool route with new Evero trains

Avanti West Coast has marked a significant milestone in its £350 million investment with the inaugural run of its new electric Evero train on the Liverpool to London route.

Evero 807001 departed Liverpool Lime Street at 0901 on Monday 11th November, bolstering the existing hourly service. This additional weekday departure is part of Avanti West Coast’s strategy to enhance connectivity between Liverpool and the capital.

The new seven-carriage trains, each boasting 451 seats, will also operate on routes connecting London, the West Midlands, and Blackpool. Further service increases are planned for the upcoming timetable change next month.

This latest development follows the successful launch of the Class 807 passenger service between London and Birmingham last month and the 150-day milestone for the Class 805 Evero, which has been serving the West Midlands, Chester, and North Wales routes.

Maintained at Alstom’s Oxley depot in the West Midlands, the 23-strong Evero fleet comprises 10 electric Class 807s and 13 bi-mode Class 805s. These greener alternatives to the Voyager trains will operate alongside the recently upgraded Pendolino fleet, which benefited from a £117 million investment.

Constructed by Hitachi at its Newton Aycliffe factory, the Evero trains offer a quieter, more spacious, and more comfortable journey. Passengers can enjoy features such as wireless charging, improved Wi-Fi, increased seating capacity, larger luggage racks, and more accessible real-time information screens.

The new trains also prioritize accessibility, featuring improved wheelchair spaces, contrasting carpet, clear accessibility symbols, enhanced accessible toilets, and Braille and large print seat labels.

Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors said: “The introduction of the Class 807 Evero on our network marks a significant milestone. The feedback from our people and customers about our new fleet has so far been fantastic and it’s created a real buzz about our services. I’m confident these new trains will provide a significant step change in comfort and a much greener way to travel.

“The challenge we have is to now build on this excitement, which coupled with our recent upturn in performance and plans to run more services, will improve connectivity to the regions we serve and encourage more people to opt for rail.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The launch of the first fully electric Evero service between Liverpool and London is a landmark moment for our region. 

“The £350 million investment in greener, more comfortable trains is not only a step towards a more sustainable future, but also a huge boost for connectivity and the local economy.

“Here in the Liverpool City Region, we know all about how important good-quality trains are, so it’s exciting to see this new fleet offering people more options for travel. The new service will not only make it easier for people to travel between Liverpool and the capital, but it supports our efforts to make the Liverpool City Region a thriving, green economy.

“I’m excited to see how this will contribute to a more sustainable transport network and help to connect communities across the country.”

Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce C.I.C added: “The enhanced quality and improved frequency of services between Liverpool and London will really benefit businesses and the economy in the Liverpool City Region. We are particularly pleased that the city’s call to improve the frequency of services has been listened to and acted upon by Avanti West Coast and partners.

“Better connected and more frequent rail services for Liverpool will create greater opportunities for our businesses to attract talent from a wider catchment area, will support our outstanding visitor and cultural offer and also enable enhanced onward connectivity with other regions and cities across the country. It is another step towards enabling a well-connected City Region, capable of maximising its growth potential.

“We fully welcome today’s commencement of additional services and look forward to these scaling up in the coming months ahead.” 

Managing Director of Services at Alstom UK and Ireland, Peter Broadley, said: “Alstom is proud to support Avanti West Coast as we welcome their new trains to our Midlands Traincare Facility in Oxley, where they will be serviced and cleaned around-the-clock. 

“Alongside the newly refurbished Pendolinos, Alstom continues to play a strategic role in helping Avanti West Coast enhance connectivity and rail service quality on this essential UK route.”

Jim Brewin, Head of UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: “Evero demonstrates yet another significant and successful milestone for our world class manufacturing teams in Newton Aycliffe Co. Durham. In collaboration with our local UK and global supply chain, Hitachi Rail has delivered the first trains of a 23-strong fleet which is a true testament to the resilience and determination of everyone involved in this remarkable project.

“Alongside our partners and stakeholders, Hitachi Rail are thrilled to be able to spread the benefits of our rolling stock and improve passenger journeys on the West Coast.”

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