CrossCountry unveils first refurbished HST

CrossCountry, part of Arriva plc, has announced the launch of its first refurbished High Speed Train (HST) into service this week on the Glasgow to Plymouth (via Edinburgh) route.

The 125mph diesel-powered HST, one of five being introduced this year, will regularly operate on CrossCountry’s North East – South West route, serving key towns and cities including; Edinburgh, Newcastle, Durham, Wakefield, Leeds, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.

The company’s HST refurbishment programme includes a redesign of the First Class and Standard carriages, providing extra capacity that will see each HST having 542 seats spread between eight carriages – that’s more seats than a jumbo jet.

The carriages feature contemporary and modern colour schemes and have been fitted with new seating and tables, carpets, curtains, refreshed toilet facilities, enhanced lighting and power sockets throughout. Importantly, the refurbishment also delivers significantly more space for luggage. The power cars are fitted with new MTU-built engines to increase reliability, improve fuel efficiency and produce lower emissions.

Andy Cooper, managing director at CrossCountry said: “We’re delighted to have our first HST operating. These trains deliver the extra capacity our passengers and stakeholders tell us they want, and their introduction also means we’re on track to deliver our promise of increasing seating by 35 per cent. I’m certain these trains will provide our customers with a comfortable and relaxing journey.

“We have already received excellent feedback from passengers who have travelled on this train and we will continue to monitor their comments and feedback to help provide the highest possible standard of customer service and experience on our HSTs.”

Notes:

Image caption: CrossCountry’s first refurbished HST passing by Houndwood in the Scottish borders between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Dunbar.

For further information on CrossCountry services log on to www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk