Virgin Trains East Coast has unveiled the first train to be overhauled as part of its £40 million refurbishment programme.
The operator has released images of new modern standard and first class interiors, which are being delivered from Bounds Green depot in London and Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh.
The refurbishment will see seating replaced, new carpets and soft furnishings, and improvements to toilets.
An additional £16 million is being spent on new diesel engines and re-branding the external livery.
David Horne, managing director of Virgin Trains East Coast, said: “Our new fleet of trains arrive in 2018, but we want to ensure the trains people are catching right now deliver the same comfort and glamour for which Virgin Trains is known.”
My experience of virgin trains on the Sheffield – Birmingham run does not compare favourably even with the existing East Coast with stock!
Virgin lost the Cross Country Trains franchise (Sheffield – Birmingham service) in 2006. It has since been operated by Arriva Trains.