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09/12/2004 Last Pendolino handed over to Virgin Trains The last Pendolino tilting train to undergo acceptance and commissioning was handed over to Virgin Trains by ALSTOM today. The tilting train, the last of 53, has been rebuilt to passenger standard after being used as a test train. From 12 December, Virgin Trains will have 38, 125 mph tilt-capable Pendolino trains in service everyday with a further four trains planned for 110mph Pendolinos or our older trains. The retention of these older trains will enable the modification programme on Pendolinos to be completed without impacting on the advertised train service. It remains the objective to have 46 Pendolinos in service everyday from June 2005, with a further seven on maintenance and repairs. Notes to Editors: Virgin Trains is part of Virgin Rail Group which is owned by Virgin (51%) and Stagecoach (49%). The 53 Pendolino trains have been built by ALSTOM in Birmingham and each nine-coach train costs around £11million. An at-seat audio system is available at every seat throughout the train offering a selection of ten pre-recorded music channels and four live radio. Power points are located at or near every seat throughout the train allowing passengers to charge mobile phones or laptops. An onboard shop provides passengers with a wide range of hot and cold food, drinks, magazines and toiletries. The self-service shop is located in the centre portion of each train. The Pendolino trains are leased from rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains. |
