Avanti West Coast has started refurbishing the first of its 56 Class 390 EMUs in a £117 million project.
390125 is the first unit to undergo the process at Alstom’s new depot at Widnes, and it is due to return to traffic in late 2021. The final train is expected to leave Widnes in February 2024.
The extensive refurbishment involves replacing Standard Class seats, converting one First Class coach on each of the 35 11-car sets to provide an extra 2,000 Standard Class seats across the fleet, and introduction of a new cafe bar. The trains will also gain additional luggage space, at-seat power points, new passenger information screens, improved lighting, new carpets and refurbished toilets.
The refurbishment is being financed by Angel Trains and will secure 100 jobs at Widnes.
