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Date set for new Edinburgh to London trains to make east coast debut



New trains are to make their debut on the Edinburgh to London east coast line on August 1.

Route operator LNER says the rolling stock built by Azuma will have more seats and be more comfortable with extra leg room, with better wifi and a Let’s Eat Cafe Bar.

Digital displays above each seat are intended to indicate more clearly which are reserved and make it easier for passenger to find their place. Customers in First Class will enjoy two-course meals freshly prepared in the onboard kitchens.

 

Sixty-five of the new trains are being introduced on the route to replace the existing 45 over the next 12 months. Platforms at Edinburgh Waverley have been extended to support longer trains with more seats.

LNER managing director David Horne said: “The launch of the first Azuma trains to and from Edinburgh and the north east of England is a pivotal moment for LNER in demonstrating the transformation of services for our customers and communities that we serve.

“Establishing new standards in rail travel is part of our DNA, and the new Azuma trains are already making the customer experience better than ever. They will transform travel for customers with improved reliability, greater levels of comfort and an average of 100 more seats on every train compared to the current fleet.

“From improved WiFi and extra leg-room to being more environmentally friendly and accessible to more people, the Azuma experience is a real revolution in rail travel.”

The first Azuma train from Edinburgh will be the LNER Flying Scotsman departing Waverley at 5.40am, calling at Newcastle at 7.05am and due to arrive at London King’s Cross at 9.40am.

The inaugural London to Edinburgh service will depart King’s Cross at 5.30pm.

 

Customers will be able to book tickets for travel on the LNER website where services operated by Azuma trains will be clearly highlighted.

UK rail minister Andrew Jones MP said: “The arrival of the state-of-the-art Azuma trains delivers more comfortable journeys and better services for passengers along the East Coast Route.

“Alongside the introduction of these new trains, we have also worked closely with Transport Scotland to upgrade platforms at Edinburgh Waverley to support longer trains with more seats.”



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