The first of Central Trains’ diesel sprinter trains will re-enter service today (Thursday 16 March) following a major refurbishment aimed at improving the experience of West Midlands’ rail passengers.
All of Central Trains’ busiest diesel fleet is going through the refurbishment to brighten the interiors and improve the reliability of the vehicles. The £1.3m improvements are jointly funded by the train operator, the fleet owners Angel Trains and West Midlands public transport body Centro.
Each of the 74 refurbished Class 150 trains will have brighter interiors with new floor coverings throughout, re-painted wall panels and renovated passenger toilets. The sliding doors have been overhauled and there have been a range of mechanical improvements. The trains have also been given a complete re-spray in the new bright and distinctive Central Trains/Centro livery. To finish off the refurbishment every train has a thorough spring clean.
Last year, Class 150s carried more than 33.5 million passenger journeys around the Midlands and beyond, they operate on all Central Trains’ Snow Hill Line services as well as on services between Birmingham New Street, Walsall and Stafford.
Central Trains Managing Director; Steve Banaghan said: “The Class 150 Sprinters will continue to be our busiest diesel fleet for some time to come. That’s why this refurbishment is good news for passengers, as well as showing what can be done through rail industry partnership with Centro-PTA. It is a major investment to ensure that our passengers have a new standard of clean and reliable trains”.
The bright new floors complement the new seat covers paid for by Centro-PTA 18 months ago and the technical modifications should lead to fewer train cancellations.
“There are more and more people travelling by train within the West Midlands, so we think it is important to invest in the comfort of passengers. This all helps to make rail travel more attractive and supports our efforts to cut congestion,” comments Cllr Keith Chambers, lead member for rail on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, which sets policy for Centro.
“Most of these trains had not been upgraded since they were first introduced more than 20 years ago, so the improvements were long overdue. The trains looked shabby even when they were clean,” he adds.
Central Trains Managing Director; Steve Banaghan said: “The Class 150 Sprinters will continue to be our busiest diesel fleet for some time to come. That’s why this refurbishment is good news for passengers, as well as showing what can be done through rail industry partnership with Centro-PTA. It is a major investment to ensure that our passengers have a new standard of clean and reliable trains”.
Peter Rigby, UK Director, Angel Trains said: “We are committed to investing in Britain’s railways and look forward to working again with Wabtec and our customers on this challenging programme, which will further improve the quality of passenger rolling stock in the UK.”
