Passengers travelling on the West Coast train line will be longer boarding a Virgin Train but an Avanti one ‘ready and fit for the future’ one.
After twenty two years the Franchise which connects London to Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow is being taken over by a consortium between FirstGroup and Trenitalia.
Avanti said fares and ticket types will be simplified with mobile tickets and smartcards introduced.
Avanti is Italian for “Forward!” and reflects a mission to deliver an innovative railway service that is “ready for today and fit for the future”, according to the new operator partnership.
The new logo, revealed today, and created by design agency forpeople, is a bright orange triangle, symbolising the geographic extent of the franchise’s 400-mile long route.
The fifty six Pendolino trains will be completely refurbished with 25,000 new seats, more reliable Wi-Fi and improved catering.
By 2022, there will be 263 more train services every week to more places and a fleet of new trains introduced.
New direct services to destinations including Liverpool South Parkway, Walsall and Gobowen (for Oswestry), and offer more stops at stations including Rugby, Llandudno Junction and Motherwell.
Speaking at the launch of the new brand, Steve Montgomery, managing director of First Rail, said: “Today marks the start of a new era in high-speed rail services – one that will generate national prosperity and pride. Avanti West Coast enshrines the type of forward-thinking operation we intend to run, that’s ready for today and fit for the future.
We’re looking forward to taking over the franchise in 11 days’ time and we are very pleased and proud to be working with Trenitalia, a strong partner who is committed to playing an increasing role in UK rail and has many years of expertise in the high-speed sector in Italy.
“We are committed to our customers and over the next few years, we will work with our industry and local partners not only to invest in, and improve, rail services on the route, but also to attract more people to rail and connect communities across the country.”
