Published on: Wednesday, 1 May 2019
Last updated: Wednesday, 1 May 2019
Rail passengers using Greater Anglia’s Intercity trains between Norwich – Ipswich – Colchester and London are being advised that they will not be able to reserve seats for a period of around six months from Saturday 13 July 2019.
This action is part of the company’s preparation for bringing new trains into service, as there will be a period of time when both old and new trains will be running, but with different seating reservation systems.
The company is taking the step to prevent confusion or misunderstandings for customers during this transitionary period.
New trains are currently being put through rigorous safety and performance tests, with the first expected to come into service this summer – although no specific date has been set yet.
Tickets such as Greater Anglia’s cheaper Advance fares can still be purchased, and a specific train time selected.
However, as the seating configuration inside the carriages on the new trains and the lettering on the outside is going to be different to the current trains, the seat reservations will be suspended until all the old carriages have been removed from service and all the new trains are running in their place.
Greater Anglia’s Business Readiness Director, Andrew Goodrum, said, “The new trains coming into service is really exciting, but we wanted to avoid any mix ups with reservations while the two fleets are swapped over.
“For example, if a passenger reserved their seat in advance, the reservation would be made for a seat in one of the current older trains. By the time they travel, this could have been swapped to one of the new trains, where all the seats will be different, meaning that they would not be able to find their reservation.
“The new trains are much longer than our existing fleet so getting a seat during the transition won’t be a problem.
“Once the old trains are removed from service our seat reservations system will be reinstated, but during the transition phase people will be able to get used to the new trains and familiarise themselves with the layout.”
Greater Anglia is replacing every single train with 169 brand new trains, which will all have more seats, power and USB points, fast free wifi, air conditioning, accessible toilets, wheelchair areas and cycle spaces.
Seat reservations can still be booked from now up until Friday 12 July 2019.
Cycle reservations must still be booked in advance in line with Greater Anglia’s cycle policy.
Wheelchair space reservations and bookings for passenger assistance should be made in the usual way by contacting the Assisted Travel Team on 0800 028 2878 or at greateranglia.co