LNER Azuma

Our railway expert Andrew Sharp was on the inaugural press and trade LNER trip from Kings Cross to Peterborough and back.  These are his comments.  See also in last week's issue Azuma bows in for LNER.

The Azuma trains will initially operate between King’s Cross and Leeds, then Lincoln and Harrogate (using their off-the-wire capability) soon after to Edinburgh with Aberdeen and Inverness by the year end.

Ride quality was good at low speed, but with some vibration at higher speeds. Walking through the train is easy: inter-car doors open as you approach them.

Seating in Standard Class is a mix of tables for four and airline style: in First Class they are wider, in 1+2 formation. There is fairly conspicuous electronic seat reservation signage (red light for reserved, green for free): the window seat is inconspicuously marked by a small rectangle. Some ‘window’ seats – up to three bays in a Standard Class coach – are not aligned with a window: most of the airline-style window seats have a pillar just where tall people wish to put their feet (like the IFE box on some long-haul aircraft).

There is power (poorly signed) at all seats, but if you need a USB port you will have to go First Class or use an adapter.

Each Azuma has around 100 more accommodation than the present arrangement.  More trains will also mean less stops but the same number of stations served. Ultimately through minor track improvements (especially near King’s Cross) combined they will give faster journeys.

The food on offer is impressive. There are completely new menus using locally sourced food developed by the catering staff themselves.  The ‘Let’s dine’ option is free in First Class (and served at seat): in standard class, there is an attractive cafe and a catering trolley branded ‘Let’s eat’. On six evening business trains from King’s Cross (Signature Trains), there will be a special three-course meal option.

www.lner.co.uk

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