Bigger, quieter and greener new trains boost capacity on major West Midlands rail route

Train capacity has been boosted for high speed rail in the West Midlands with the introduction of new rolling stock.

Avanti West Coast said it has launched an initial six Hitachi-built Evero trains on the West Coast Main Line.

The operator's Evero fleet will eventually consist of 10 electric trains and 13 bi-modes, which can be powered by electricity or diesel.

Avanti West Coast said the bi-modes each have 299 seats, which is 16 per cent more than the Voyager trains they are replacing.

Everos are quieter, have more space for passengers, more reliable wi-fi and reduce carbon emissions, the company added.

The introduction of the new trains has also led to additional services between the West Midlands and London being added to timetables.

Avanti West Coast managing director Andy Mellors said: "The introduction of our new timetable and the Evero fleet marks an exciting new chapter for our people and customers.

"The investment is also a key part of our plans to support the UK rail industry, and our wider commitment to improve customer experience on the West Coast Main Line."

Office of Rail and Road figures show Avanti West Coast had the third worst reliability of all operators in Britain in the year to the end of March, with the equivalent of one in 15 trains cancelled.

The brand – owned by FirstGroup and Trenitalia – faces the prospect of increased competition on the West Coast Main Line as predecessor Virgin Trains is developing a plan to run open access services.

As well as adding to the rolling stock at Avanti West Coast, the new trains will also provide extra flexibility between lines that are electrified and those that rely on diesel. It means an easier transition from the electrified main line and the line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, which relies on diesel power.

The new trains will operate services from Shrewsbury to Birmingham and London, stopping at Wellington, Telford, Wolverhampton and Sandwell and Dudley.

At the moment the Shrewsbury-Wolverhampton stretch of the route lacks electrification, meaning that only diesel trains can operate on the Shrewsbury-London route.

However the new 'bi-mode' trains will be able to switch seamlessly between electric and diesel power, meaning they can run on electricity from Wolverhampton to London.