Avanti West Coast (AWC) has officially launched its new Class 807 Evero electric train sets, marking a significant milestone in rail travel between Liverpool and London.

The new trains entered service on November 11, enabling AWC to offer an additional weekday return service between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston.

This follows a soft launch of the Evero fleet on the London-Birmingham route on October 26.

Boosting Services and Connectivity

Starting with the December timetable, AWC will enhance its current hourly Liverpool-London schedule with two additional weekday services each way, plus a third on Saturdays. While the long-term goal of a half-hourly service remains unmet due to power supply constraints identified by Network Rail, discussions to resolve these issues are ongoing, and more services are expected to roll out next year.

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson emphasized the economic potential of increased rail connectivity, stating, “We believe we have the demand to justify it, and we know that a half-hourly frequency can be massive for economic growth.”

Innovations in Accessibility and Comfort

The Evero trains bring a host of passenger-focused improvements, including:

• Wireless charging for electronic devices.
• Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.
• More spacious seating with greater legroom and larger luggage racks.
• Improved real-time customer information screens for easier readability.

Accessibility features include designated wheelchair spaces with contrasting carpets, Braille and large-print seat labels, and upgraded accessible toilets. These enhancements are designed to create a more inclusive and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

A Greener, Quieter Fleet

The Class 807 Evero trains are entirely electric, offering a quieter and more environmentally friendly alternative to the Bombardier Voyager diesel trainsets they are replacing.

The new fleet can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and is serviced at Alstom’s Midlands Traincare Facility in Oxley.

AWC Managing Director Andy Mellors described the Evero fleet as a “game changer,” delivering a “significant step change in comfort and a much greener way to travel.”

The £350 million investment in 10 seven-car Class 807 Evero trainsets and 13 five-car Class 805 electro-diesel units, built by Hitachi Rail, was financed by Rock Rail and Aberdeen Standard Investments.

The electro-diesel units, already in service since June, will replace the remaining Voyager fleet by December, eliminating diesel usage on electrified lines.

Training and Future Plans

Over 200 AWC drivers have completed training on the Evero trains, with the fleet currently confined to specific routes to streamline operations. AWC also plans to add stops at Liverpool South Parkway in the future, contingent on diagram adjustments for the shorter Evero units to accommodate the station’s platform constraints.

Mellors expressed optimism about the Evero fleet’s impact, stating, “The feedback from our people and customers has been fantastic. These new trains, coupled with our upturn in performance and plans for additional services, will improve connectivity across the regions we serve and encourage more people to opt for rail.”

The launch of the Evero fleet underscores Avanti West Coast’s commitment to providing a greener, more comfortable, and accessible travel experience, while strengthening connectivity between Liverpool, London, and beyond.

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