UK railway line to launch new trains with free water refill stations and reclining seats
LNER has revealed its new fleet of trains in first-look images – and they’ve got perks for every customer.
The upgraded carriages will have water refill stations throughout the trains and in First Class even mood lighting and reclining seats.
LNER, which operates trains across the East Coast Main Line, has revealed what its new fleet of Class 897 trains will look like.
The latest upgrades include “improved seating” across all classes with enhanced seat pads, side bolsters and wider head cushions .
One huge perk for all customers, especially those on a long journey, is that they’ll will be able to stay hydrated for free, thanks to the introduction of five water bottle refill stations throughout the train.
Travellers won’t have to pop to the cafe to buy a bottle of water – instead, just top up as you go.
The only other train line that offers complimentary water with refill stations is Avanti West Coast on its Pendolino and Evero trains.
Also onboard the new LNER trains will be new digital screens in each carriage so customers can keep an eye on their journey and the upcoming stops.
Each seat will have its own plug socket and USB-C ports too for phone charging.
For Standard Class customers, there will be a new and improved Café Bar.
Here, you can pick up snacks and drinks and can see what’s available in real-time on digital menu screens.
Those sitting in First Class can fully relax in seats that actually recline.
There will also be softer lighting, including mood and table lighting in First Class – so the lights won’t be too bright for those travelling during early mornings and evenings.
Other changes include the redesign of bike storage areas and toilets.
For wheelchair users, tables have been redesigned to make more room with seat legs moved and additional space created for assistance dogs.
The 10-carriage trains called ‘Serenza’, will each have a total of 569 seats across Standard and First Class, alongside wheelchair spaces.
No date for introduction of the Class 897s has been announced yet.
But the new fleet is set to replace LNER’s InterCity 225 fleet, which focuses on services between London King’s Cross and destinations like Leeds, York, Bradford Forster Square, and Skipton.
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