Between Norwich and Liverpool Street, one of Greater Anglia's brand-new intercity trains has now successfully completed a daylight test run.
Technicians on board the 12-carriage electric train, built by Swiss company Stadler, were checking the train's energy consumption levels.
This was done by putting the train through its paces at different speeds as well as braking levels.
Once the train had arrived at Liverpool Street, station staff were given training on board and were able to have a look around.
Staff were shown the train's retractable step that closes the gap between the platform edge and the train.
Combined with the train's lower level floor, the step makes it easy for customers with wheelchairs, buggies or mobility issues to get onto the train.
The new intercity trains are longer than the already existing intercity trains (12 carriages of seats compared to nine on the existing trains).
They have electric push-button doors, double-width in the middle of each carriage. These are easier for customers to open once they have been unlocked.
They also speed up the train's departure from stations as the driver can close all the doors automatically.
Other features onboard the train are plug and USB sockets and free wifi.
As well as air conditioning, a café bar, a large accessible area, accessible toilet, along with a dedicated area for bikes and passenger information screens.
Greater Anglia has ordered ten new intercity trains from Stadler. Three of them are now in East Anglia. The first is due to come into passenger service later this year in autumn.
The train is the same model as the ten new Stansted Express trains, however, the interiors are different. Only the intercity trains will have a First Class seating area and a café bar.
What did the officials have to say?
Ian McConnell, Greater Anglia franchise and programme director, said:
“It was quite a sight, our brand new intercity making its way from Norwich to Liverpool Street and then to sit opposite one of our old intercity trains at Liverpool Street was such a contrast between old and new.
“We are very much looking forward to bringing our new trains into passenger service because we know they will transform our customers' journeys.”
Martino Celeghini, project manager for Stadler, added:
“This trip made during daylight hours is yet another small, but significant step, bringing us ever closer to passenger roll-out of the new fleet.
“We are now in the final stages of testing and feel confident that customers will share our enthusiasm for these state-of-the-art trains, which are on the cusp of being introduced on to the network.”
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