Take a seat and look around Greater Anglia’s new trains through virtual reality

Published on: Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Last updated: Wednesday, 28 March 2018

People can try out seats which will be fitted onto Greater Anglia’s new trains at four virtual reality experience roadshows during the Easter break.

Two pairs of seats identical to those due to be installed on the brand new trains will be at Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge and Chelmsford stations for people to test.

At the same time, they can put on a pair of virtual reality goggles and see what the rest of the train will look like – and experience being on board a new train just before it sets off from a station.

Greater Anglia is replacing every single train on the network with 169 brand new trains, which will start to come into service next year.

The latest round of #GAVirtual virtual reality experience dates and locations are:

  • Wednesday 4 April, Ipswich station, 3pm to 7pm
  • Friday 6 April, Norwich station, 3pm to 7pm
  • Wednesday 11 April, Cambridge station, 3 to 7pm
  • Friday 13 April, Chelmsford station, 1pm to 5pm

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 Bombardiers 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, plug and USB points, 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.

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

Mike Kean, Greater Anglia Greater Anglia Deputy Managing Director, said: “It’s amazing to think that it’s just next year that our new trains come into service. The new trains will help to transform rail travel in East Anglia.

“Come along to one of our roadshows – check out for yourself how comfortable the new seats are and how incredible the new trains are going to be.

“We’re confident that once people have experienced the new trains via 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.