First look inside Virgin high-speed train linking London to Edinburgh

Mark Chandler19 March 2016

This is the first look inside a new fleet of trains set to whisk passengers from London to Edinburgh in just four hours.

Unveiled at King’s Cross, the Virgin Azuma is being pitched as one of the most advanced trains on the UK’s rail network.

With 65 trains providing an extra 12,200 seats for a new and expanded timetable, Virgin claims the fleet will increase capacity into King’s Cross by 28 per cent during peak time.

Whilst the trains will initially reach speeds of up to 125mph, Virgin Trains has today announced the creation of a cross-industry working group, including Network Rail, to investigate the potential for the East Coast route to enable their operation at 140mph.

Azuma: The trains promise more leg room
Virgin

With increased acceleration, Azumas will slice 22 minutes off a trip from the capital to Edinburgh and Leeds.

Virgin also promises the Hitachi designed trains will offer the most legroom on the network.

Launching the fleet, Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “The state-of-the-art Intercity Express trains heading to Virgin will transform rail travel for passengers between London, the north east and Scotland.

High-speed: The trains will cut 22 minutes off journey times
Virgin

“These new trains, combined with Virgin’s exciting plans for the franchise, will provide more services, more seats, and faster journeys, helping to place passengers at the heart of the railway.”

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: “This is a hugely important moment for passengers on the East Coast.

“A line which has witnessed the historic Flying Scotsman and Mallard will now see passenger services transformed with the UK’s most advanced long distance trains.

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