Virgin Trains’s state-of-the-art Azuma train has debuted in Scotland for the first time as part of plans to transform Edinburgh-London rail journeys. The inaugural run north of the border was made as part of a testing programme by manufacturer Hitachi in preparation for roll out of the Azuma fleet on the east coast route next year.
The Azuma being tested was a 9-car bi-mode train capable of travelling on both electric and diesel power. It travelled north of Newcastle over the iconic Royal Border Bridge in Berwick-upon-Tweed and then over the Scottish border, arriving at Dunbar Station, from where it headed south to Doncaster.
The debut comes as Virgin plans to accelerate journey times between Edinburgh and London by 22 minutes, bringing regular journey times down to just four hours. The Azuma is set to be one of the most advance passenger trains on the UK rail network, able to accelerate faster than existing trains and providing more comfort and space inside. The Virgin-designed train will speed up journeys and boost capacity out of King’s Cross by 28% at peak times.
Virgin are introducing the Azumas in conjunction with the DfT. The 65-strong fleet must undergo a rigorous test programme ahead of entering passenger service next year. Hitachi is building the Azuma fleet at its purpose built facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
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