East Coast Virgin new look

Virgin Trains has launched a £21m refurbishment programme for its fleet of 45 trains on the east coast route. The first new-look model enters service in two weeks (14 December) when the company begins its new service between Sunderland and London. 

The money is being spent on the train interiors, with 401 carriages to be overhauled and 24,123 seats replaced. The work also includes refurbished toilets and new carpets and curtains. Leather seats will be fitted in First Class.

The investment means Virgin has committed more than £40m to improving its fleet since it launched the east coast franchise in March. In all, it plans to invest £140m over eight years.

David Horne, managing director of Virgin Trains east coast, said: "This multi million investment in our trains not only one of the biggest investments of its kind seen on the east coast route, but also three years ahead of the introduction of new Super Express Trains as part of the government’s InterCity Express programme.

"We’re investing now so customers can benefit from new seats and a new on-board environment before we get a new fleet of 65 trains from 2018."   www.virgintrains.eastcoast.com

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