Published on: Wednesday, 8 August 2018
Last updated: Wednesday, 8 August 2018
Greater Anglia is giving people the chance to experience its brand-new trains through virtual reality, with a series of roadshows at some of its stations over the next month. Similar roadshows have been successfully held at a number of Greater Anglia stations already, so the operator is taking the event to more locations across its network.
The train company is replacing every single train with brand-new trains, which will start to come into service from summer 2019. In the meantime, people are invited to visit five stations across the network to “step on-board” one of the new trains via a virtual reality headset. The virtual reality roadshows will be at:
- Manningtree – 10 August between 15.00 and 19.00
- Billericay – 15 August between 15.00 and 19.00
- Ely - 17 August between 15.00 and 19.00
- Bishop’s Stortford - 24 August between 15.00 and 19.00
- Harlow Town - 5 September between 07.00 and 10.00
There is no need to book, just turn up and see how Greater Anglia will be 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 train and two Stadler trains.
The Bombardier trains will replace commuter trains which run to Liverpool Street from Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge and Ipswich. The Stadler trains will replace trains on the Intercity, Stansted Express and rural services.
Once “on board”, you can look around and see the new seats, carpet, plug points, interior layout/décor, large picture windows and even visit the toilet. You can also check out accessibility arrangements, visit the “bistro” on the Intercity train and walk through the airy carriages.
Mike Kean, Deputy Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said: “We’re spending £1.4 billion on brand- new trains to replace every single train on our network. This major investment is going to transform rail travel in East Anglia.
“We’re really excited about this huge upgrade 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 deciding and finalising 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