Published on: Friday, 9 February 2018
Last updated: Friday, 9 February 2018
Greater Anglia is giving people the chance to experience its brand new trains through virtual reality.
The train company is replacing every single train with brand new trains which will start to come into service from 2019.
In the meantime people are invited to stations across the network to step on board one of the new trains via a virtual reality headset.
The virtual reality roadshow will be at London Liverpool Street station on Friday 16 February between 15.00 and 19.00.
There is no need to book, just turn up and take a peek at how Greater Anglia is transforming rail travel in East Anglia.
Through the headset, people will be able to walk onto a station platform where three of the new trains will be parked – a Bombardier and two Stadlers.
The Bombardier will replace commuter trains which run to Liverpool Street from Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge and Ipswich. The Stadlers will replace trains on the Intercity, Stansted Express and rural lines.
Once “on board” people will be able to look around them to see the new seats, carpet, finishings, plug points, large picture windows and even visit the toilet.
They will be able to check out accessibility arrangements, walk up to the “bistro” on the Intercity and walk through the airy carriages.
Mike Kean, Greater Anglia Deputy Managing Director, said: “We’re spending £1.4 billion on brand new trains to replace every single train on our network. It’s going to transform rail travel in East Anglia.
“We’re really excited about it and we’re confident that when people experience our new trains through virtual reality they’ll be looking forward to their arrival as much as we are.”
Greater Anglia has involved customers and stakeholders, including rail user groups and accessibility groups, in choosing the design of the new trains. An online consultation saw over 1,000 people respond.
The new trains will all be fitted with fast free wifi, air conditioning, and plug and USB sockets.
Find out more on by searching #GAVirtual or #newtrains or look online here: https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/newtrains/360tour