Arriva Trains Wales passengers will see first-hand the result of a multi-million pound upgrade today as the train operating officially puts into service its first fully refurbished Class 158 train at Aberystwyth Station on the 09.30am service to Birmingham International.
The train offers passengers greater comfort with new upholstering and extended leg room across approximately 134 seats; additional space for wheelchairs; improved cycle and luggage storage space and toilet facilities will be improved to include baby changing units.
A state of the art Passenger Information System has also been installed to keep passengers updated during service and electrical points made available on most table seats to accommodate items such as laptop and mobile power chargers.
The exterior of the train has also been fully re-painted in a new livery.
A total of 24 trains within the Class 158 fleet, travelling across Wales and the English Borders, will be refurbished on the interior and exterior by summer 2012 and is part of a wider programme of fleet improvements.
Arriva Trains Wales Commercial Director, Mike Bagshaw, said:
“This program to our upgrade our fleet of trains will improve the journey experience for the ever growing number passengers using Arriva Trains Wales’ services throughout Wales and the English borders.
“This refurbishment of the Class 158 train, is one of the most extensive the industry has seen to date, delivering an as new train interior designed around the needs of today’s traveller.”
