Class 807s now in service with Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast have officially introduced their Class 807 electric multiple units (EMUs) into passenger service between Liverpool and London, with train 807001 departing Liverpool Lime Street station today at 9:01 am.

The Class 807 is the second, electric-operation-only member of Avanti's 'Evero' family of trains. It sits alongside the Class 805, a bi-mode multiple unit (BMU) which entered service at the start of June 2024. They were manufactured for Avanti West Coast by Hitachi Rail, as part of a £350 million investment in the train operating company's fleet.

Both types of rolling stock share a similar exterior, the exception being train length — the Class 807 is formed of seven cars, whereas the Class 805 is formed of five cars. They will be maintained at Oxley depot in Wolverhampton and partner the Class 390 'Pendolinos'.

Construction of the Class 807s began in 2021 and is ongoing, after Avanti West Coast ordered 10 of these new EMUs. They will replace the Class 221 'Super Voyagers' inherited from Virgin Trains, which have been in passenger service for over two decades. However, unlike their predecessors, the Class 807s are not tilting trains.

As well as running between London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street stations, the trains will serve destinations in the West Midlands and around Blackpool. They can be expected to feature more regularly when the December 2024 timetable comes into effect.

There are 451 seats on board, plus all the amenities passengers would expect to find on a modern intercity train: free Wi-Fi internet access, charging (including wireless charging) for devices, real-time customer information displays, and a shop, among others.

Although level boarding is not present, accessibility was factored into the train's interior design, with "improved wheelchair spaces with contrasting carpet," "improvements to accessible toilets," "as well as Braille and large print labels on seats." The wheelchair spaces, plus companion seats, can be found in coaches A and J.

While the new rolling stock was officially launched today — that is, with the press release, an event, and comments from executives — it was not actually the first time a Class 807 unit has operated a passenger service. In fact, a shakedown test took place on 26 October 2024 between London and Birmingham.

The units are yet another of Hitachi Rail's A-train series (sometimes known as Intercity Express Trains, or IETs), plenty of which can already be found across Britain's railways. Several are operated by Great Western Railway (Class 800, 802), London North Eastern Railway (Class 800, 801), and others.

"The introduction of the Class 807 Evero on our network marks a significant milestone. The feedback from our people and customers about our new fleet has so far been fantastic and it’s created a real buzz about our services. I’m confident these new trains will provide a significant step change in comfort and a much greener way to travel.

"The challenge we have is to now build on this excitement, which coupled with our recent upturn in performance and plans to run more services, will improve connectivity to the regions we serve and encourage more people to opt for rail."

Andy Mellors, Managing Director, Avanti West Coast