http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/news ... p?item=303
Press Releases
17 February 2005
FirstGroup plc today (Thursday, 17th February 2005) unveiled the new-look, redesigned interior of its High Speed Train (HST) carriages as it prepares to bid for the Greater Western franchise.
The interior of the First and Standard Class carriages, including the buffet area, has been redesigned, introducing a more contemporary, modern and customer focused environment.
Both First and Standard Class carriages have new interior colour schemes, new carpets and curtains, improved lighting and new finishes to panelling, seating and tables, making the carriages lighter and airy.
The buffet has also been redesigned and updated, transforming the area into a CafÚ Express. Improvements include replacing key kitchen and buffet area equipment, new finishing to panelling and shelving, and new lighting and menu graphics, creating a relaxing and attractive environment.
Speaking at the unveiling at STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway, in Swindon, Alison Forster, Managing Director of First Great Western, said: ôFirst has made significant strides in improving the performance and reliability of our High Speed Trains. However, we understand that the customer experience extends well beyond a reliable service and we are now working to improve the entire on-board environment.
"This redesign programme has adopted a new look for the HST fleet and we believe that these enhancements will meet and exceed customer expectations, demonstrating our commitment to improving the experience of travelling on our trains. Based on customer input, we have created an on-board experience which is fresh, modern and innovative and will reflect a quality journey experience. Over the next few months we will continue to seek customer feedback and implement any further design enhancements as appropriate.ö
The carriages will also include a new toilet design to replace all existing First and Standard Class toilets and will greatly improve hygiene standards of on-board toilets.
Furthermore, two 240V power sockets per bay will be installed for laptop use and customers will also benefit from the new Wi-Fi technology providing an opportunity to make the most of their time by working, send emails or surf the net on the train.
The exterior of the carriages has not escaped improvements either with new contrasting doors, which clearly identify entrances and exits, and new destination panels. These exterior improvements will be complemented by a new, striking livery, proposed for FirstÆs HST fleet.
As part of its bid strategy for the Greater Western franchise, key stakeholders, employees and the public will be invited to experience the new-look carriages first hand during the coming weeks at STEAM and encouraged to express their opinions and comments.
The Greater Western franchise will be created by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) next year and will operate a combination of high-speed rail services, commuter services and inter-regional and local train services.
The franchise will include the current First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex Trains franchises and will operate for seven years with a potential extension of a further three years.
Further information for journalists is available from Elaine Wilde or Tim Bowcock in the First Great Western Public Relations department on 01793 499499. For customer enquiries, please contact customer.relations@gwt.firstgroup.com or call 0845 6005604.
First unveils new-look High Speed Train carriages
This isn't new...I travelled in a refurbished one on 19th Jan!
http://whywontyoulisten2.fotopic.net/c436471.html
Lovely soft plush seats
http://whywontyoulisten2.fotopic.net/c436471.html
Lovely soft plush seats
Oh no...oh Christ no! 
http://waltham.fotopic.net/show_collect ... ?id=436457
I never thought I'd prefer the Barbie livery to anything, but it's looking very appealing compared to this new one!
*vomits*
http://waltham.fotopic.net/show_collect ... ?id=436457
I never thought I'd prefer the Barbie livery to anything, but it's looking very appealing compared to this new one!
*vomits*
I was just going to post that!James wrote:Oh no...oh Christ no!
http://waltham.fotopic.net/show_collect ... ?id=436457
I never thought I'd prefer the Barbie livery to anything, but it's looking very appealing compared to this new one!
*vomits*
It's truly horrible! I've seen graffiti covered wagons that look more appealing to travel in
Ah well, I've just read that these are demonstrators only, and that the inside is all that counts. The outside is just for show.
(I'll believe it when it happens etc!)
More pics here:
http://cjm.fotopic.net/c436570.html
(I'll believe it when it happens etc!)
More pics here:
http://cjm.fotopic.net/c436570.html
It's just as hideous and mismatched inside! Are they colourblind???madhattie wrote:Ah well, I've just read that these are demonstrators only, and that the inside is all that counts. The outside is just for show.
(I'll believe it when it happens etc!)
More pics here:
http://cjm.fotopic.net/c436570.html
What's this interior then? It definitely looked new!
http://whywontyoulisten2.fotopic.net/p11953305.html
D'you know if there's any stock still in the green/white/gold livery?