IN PICTURES: LNER Unveils New Class 897 ‘Serenza’ Trains

LNER has provided a first look at its brand-new fleet of 10 intercity trains, which officially carries the name Serenza.

The new trains, which have been built by CAF and financed by Porterbrook, will be introduced in order to accommodate growing rail travel demands along the East Coast Main Line.

LNER’s new fleet of Class 897 (Serenza) trains will include the first units to be officially introduced as part of Great British Railways, and will be operated by the government’s new publicly-owned rail company, carrying the branding on both their interior and exterior.

The name Serenza is a hybrid of both the word ‘serene’ and the Spanish-style suffix ‘-enza’, which LNER states it hopes will evoke a eeling of peacefulness and calm, combined with energy, movement, and modernity.

Once operational, the new Class 897 trains will be the first long-distance trains in the UK to operate using a tri-mode configuration, enabling each unit to run on overhead electric power, alongside diesel engines and batteries when there are no overhead wires available.

The 10 carriage trains will be capable of carrying up to 569 seated passengers across Standard and First Class, alongside wheelchair spaces with companion seating.

Each carriage will be adorned with new digital screens informing customers of the latest updates regarding their journey, as well as general safety advice. Five water bottle refill stations will also be available for use throughout each train.

Luggage and bike storage areas have been fully redesigned, offering straps in order to secure bicycles and cases during travel. Tables have been redesigned to give more space for wheelchair users and seat legs have been moved in order to create space for assistance dogs, whilst braille seat numbers will be included on every seat.

Each seat onboard will have its own plug socket and USB-C port, with table seats featuring a power bar with the same connections on the tabletop. Standard Class customers will be able to access a new Café Bar, with digital menu screens giving real time information on products available.

Finally, toilets have been redesigned following customer feedback and feature a new wash basin design, baby changing tables and clearer signage.

The new Class 897 trains are set to replace the operator’s InterCity 225 fleet, which is now nearly 40 years old. They will be introduced in the coming years.