People in Norwich can experience Greater Anglia’s brand new trains through virtual reality

Published on: Thursday, 16 November 2017
Last updated: Thursday, 7 December 2017

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, including at Norwich station on Friday 17 November from 6.45 to 11.15am.

They will even be able to sit down in one of the new seats and it will feel like they are on board a brand new train.

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 be 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, 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.

The #GAVirtual virtual reality experience dates and locations are:

  • Friday 17 November, Norwich, 6.45 to 11.15
  • Thursday 23 November, Cambridge, 6.45 to 11.15
  • Friday 1 December, Broxbourne, 6.45 to 11.15
  • Friday 15 December, Southend, 6.45 to 11.15
  • Tuesday 19 December, Chelmsford, 9.00 to 13.00
  • Thursday 21 December, Colchester, 6.45 to 11.15
  • London Liverpool Street, date TBC

There is no need to book, just turn up and take a peek at how Greater Anglia is transforming rail travel in East Anglia.

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, 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.