Marking the UK’s largest Pendolino fleet, Avanti West Coast‘s collaborative programme of refurbishment has been recognised at the Railway Innovation Awards for 2023.

The Rail Innovation Awards mark the oldest rail industry awards in the country and this year has reached its 25th anniversary and is hosted by Modern Railways in a bid to highlight the sector’s very best in innovation.

The Avanti West Coast impressive project has seen the largest fleet upgrade for the UK and saw a collaboration with the rail operator’s partners and fleet owners Angel Trains, leading to several innovations.

Alstom is well known around the world for its smart and sustainable mobility, carried out the work which took place at its brand new depot in Widnes, supporting 100 skilled positions.

Andy Mellors, Manager Director at Avanti West Coast said:

“We’re extremely proud of the project, and most importantly the positive reaction from our customers whose travelling experience, aided by a range of new innovations, has been greatly improved.”

“This award is testament to the hard work and expertise of Alstom and our Fleet, Projects and Customer Experience teams to whom I’d like to place on record my thanks for helping make this happen.”

The project has seen several new features added, including:

• Intelligent lighting
• Tables with wireless charging
• Water refill stations
• Seat occupancy monitoring
• Visual woven carpet designs to promote appropriate use of wheelchair areas.

Peter Broadley, Alstom Services Managing Director said

“The Pendolino modernisation project is the perfect advert for investment in our railways. The production line techniques developed at Widnes are truly industry-leading, allowing a high-quality and green product to be delivered every two weeks. Working with Avanti West Coast and Angel Trains, we have created something which is delighting fare-paying customers on Avanti’s West Coast services. We are incredibly proud to be part of this project.”

Recognising both innovation and the project’s sustainable approach, the judges particularly liked the use of recycled plastic bottles within the table’s manufacture alongside the conversion of removed carpet into solid fuel used by the cement industry.

The impressive interior design and manufacture were carried out by specialist interior solutions company Baker Belfield, who are based in Telford. The project has seen the use of more than 700,000 plastic bottles, which have led to the delivery of 2,500 tables, all of which feature Wi-Fi charging. This project also saw the creation of 7 new jobs.

Approximately 10kg of CO2 was saved for each of the innovative tables, which also include a much higher recyclable content than those of its aluminium predecessor.

Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said:

“Our iconic Pendolino trains have been refurbished to provide a comfortable, connected, best-in-class passenger experience at a lower cost and carbon footprint than building new. Working together with Avanti West Coast and Alstom, this project has supported UK suppliers and skilled jobs the length of the West Coast Mainline. This award is testimony to the exceptional contribution from all involved.”