Virgin Trains’ state-of-the-art Azuma train made its first test journey to the Highlands. The train journeyed north of Edinburgh to Inverness, before travelling back to a depot in Doncaster. The test, run by manufacturer Hitachi, is part of a programme to prepare Scotland for the 65-strong Azuma fleet. The first of these will enter service in December 2018 as part of a two-year rollout programme, with Azuma services due to operate from five of Scotland’s seven cities from 2019.
The train, which takes its name from the Japanese word for “east”, is set to be one of the most advance passenger trains on the UK rail network, able to accelerate faster than existing trains and providing more comfort and space inside.
“Our rigorous test programme is moving apace ahead of the trains entering service next year. Over the next twelve months, passengers and enthusiasts will be seeing plenty more of our British-built Azuma trains testing in Scotland,” Andy Rogers, Programme Director for Hitachi Rail Europe, said.
Hitachi is building the new trains at their factory in the North East of England (Newton Aycliffe, County Durham). The company has invested £18 million (20.3 million euros) to modernise depots at Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh to ensure they are able to service the new fleet.
Virgin Trains operates half-hourly services between Edinburgh and London for most of the day, with four additional services running to Aberdeen and one train a day, the Highland Chieftain, serving Stirling, Perth and Inverness.
Share on:
