New name revealed for West Coast rail franchise
The new operators of the West Coast rail franchise, which links London to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow, have unveiled the service’s new name.
FirstGroup and Trenitalia, which will take over the service from Virgin Trains on 8 December, say it will be called Avanti West Coast. ‘Avanti’ is the Italian word for forward, which the joint venture (called First Trenitalia) says means the service is “ready for today and fit for the future”.
The Avanti West Coast logo, created by design agency forpeople, is a bright orange triangle, symbolising the geographic extent of the 400-mile long route that serves cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow as well as London and North Wales.
Under the new West Coast Partnership, First Trenitalia has promised to introduce a range of “passenger enhancements”. The 56 Pendolino trains will be completely refurbished with 25,000 brand 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.
First Trenitalia also says fares and ticket types will be simplified with mobile tickets and smartcards introduced. Stations will be improved with refreshed waiting rooms, better customer facilities, more car park spaces, and greater accessibility.
The new brand and logo were unveiled at the Custard Factory in Birmingham.
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.”
Ernesto Sicilia, managing director, Trenitalia (UK), said: “It’s an amazing honour to partner with FirstGroup. After our entrance into the British market in 2017, today marks another step in our ambition to play a positive role in the UK rail industry, in which we see a great future.
“Avanti West Coast is a strong, progressive and dynamic brand that reflects our commitment to providing our customers with an exceptional service. We are thrilled that the name Avanti has been chosen to represent these values to our customers and pays tribute to our expertise in transforming Italian railways.”
