First interior photos of LNER tri-mode Class 897 fleet
The first interior images of the new tri-mode fleet for London North-Eastern Railway (LNER) have been released.
Porterbrook is delighted to be financing this new fleet, named Serenza, for LNER and helping to deliver modern trains to the network that will serve passengers well into the future
The new Class 897 trains, which are being manufactured by CAF, will be the first long distance trains in the UK to be tri-mode, meaning they are able to run on overhead electric power, alongside diesel engines and batteries when there are no overhead wires. The 10 carriage trains will each have a total of 569 seats across standard and first class, alongside wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
The interior design has been developed with customer and stakeholder feedback in mind to deliver a great customer experience. Customers will benefit from improved seating comfort in both standard and first class, with the ability to recline in first class.
New digital screens in each carriage will keep customers up to date with the latest live journey and safety information. Customers will also be able to stay hydrated on the move with the introduction of five water bottle refill stations throughout the train.
For cyclists, LNER has listened to and acted on feedback, fully redesigning bike storage areas with easy-to-use bike straps enabling customers to quickly and efficiently secure their bike while travelling by train.
New, softer lighting, including mood and table lighting in First Class, has been designed to provide customers with a more comfortable journey, especially when travelling during early mornings and evenings.
LNER has worked closely with its Accessibility Forum to introduce new features on the Class 897 fleet to make journeys easier for disabled customers and those needing additional assistance.
Each seat will have its own plug socket, along with the introduction of USB-C ports for phone charging. At table seats, sockets and USB-C ports will feature in a power bar on the tabletop.
For Standard Class customers, there will be a new and improved Café Bar, stocked with delicious food and drinks from local suppliers along the LNER route. Digital menu screens will show, in real-time, what is available to be enjoyed.
Toilet facilities have been redesigned with customer feedback in mind, featuring an improved wash basin design, baby changing tables, and clearer signage in accessible toilets.
The new fleet will be introduced in the coming years, with further details to be released as the project progresses.