Avanti West Coast is adding “standard
premium” coaches on all of its Pendolino trains on services on the West Coast
Main Line. The rail company say it is the first UK train operating company to
offer an additional class.
Standard premium class offers roomier seats than in standard class, a guaranteed tabletop, at-seat food
and drink ordering, electrical sockets, free wi-fi and access to Avanti Media onboard
entertainment at no extra charge.
Access to standard
premium is available for an upgrade fee of between £15 and £30 depending on the
journey. Currently, upgrades are only available onboard but will be available
to buy in advance from later this year.
The company has
converted an existing first class carriage to provide the new class. It says it
plans to launch an enhanced First Class offering with improved catering and
more bespoke customer service later this year.
Phil Whittingham, manager
director at Avanti West Coast said: “This is the first major step in our
transformation of services on the West Coast. Together with our upcoming first class
service which will lead the industry, and the complete refurbishment of the
Pendolino fleet, Standard Premium will set a new benchmark for UK rail travel.”
A shake-up of the UK rail system has also been announced.