As part of a Climate Train, which has operated between the Netherlands and Scotland to mark COP26, Avanti West Coast has taken attendees to Glasgow onboard 390121, which has had a new livery.
The Netherlands to Scotland train is thanks to a partnership between Avanti West Coast, Eurostar, NS, ProRail and Youth for Sustainable Travel.
Officials from Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and Germany joined MEPs and NGOs to enjoy one of the most sustainable ways to travel between the continent and COP26.
The fully wrapped train has a unique sustainability design to celebrate the journey as new data shows one London to Glasgow flight uses the equivalent amount of CO2e as almost seven train journeys.
A new competition will be launched to name the train after the new design was applied thanks to help from Alstom, Aura Graphics and Angel Trains.
390121 was captured near Rugby and at Scout Green, between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District in Cumbria, as it passes the M6, both views can be watched below:
The train arrived into Glasgow Central a few minutes early after an average speed of 89.1 mph, though it had an average speed of 97 mph between Rugby and Scout Green, including a 4 minute stop at Preston.
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Our railways are one of the most sustainable ways for people to travel. As we host the world at COP26, I'm proud that our railway is playing its part in the fight against climate change. We are committed to achieving a net zero rail network by 2050, ensuring our railways continue to play a pivotal role in enabling greener, cleaner journeys for passengers.”
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, who will be in Brussels-Midi station to send the train off this Saturday, said: “Taking the train to the climate summit in Glasgow is without a doubt the most climate friendly way for delegations to travel there. The train is sustainable and provides plenty of comfort, whether you travel for work or for pleasure. Moreover, inside Europe, the train is fast becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for flying, especially on shorter distances. I wish all travellers on the Climate Train an enjoyable journey and most of all I wish them plenty of success at the summit – we will see each other in Glasgow next week!”
Jacques Damas, Chief Executive Officer, Eurostar said: “Pre pandemic, demand for international high-speed rail had grown consistently across two decades, as passengers increasingly recognise the benefits of train versus plane. As an industry, our challenge is to take this further, helping our customers lower their carbon footprint as we invest in routes, timetables and a seamless customer experience. The Climate Train is a symbol of partnership between rail operators and a show of commitment to meet growing customer expectations when it comes to sustainable travel. ”
Phil Whittingham, Managing Director, Avanti West Coast said: “Climate change is a serious threat to everyone on the planet and Avanti West Coast, like the wider rail industry, is committed to cleaner, greener transport for all. By uniting with operators across the continent, the Climate Train's journey illustrates the ease of travelling between countries providing customers with a sustainable alternative.
“But our commitment goes beyond COP26. For example, in the next few years we will be replacing our diesel only trains with a combination of electric and bi-mode trains that will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.”
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You’ve got to be joking..It sounds like this company is actually making a positive difference. Ask the thousands who have had there travel plans thrown into disarray this week. Glasgow to to Liverpool on Thursday – nine hours and Liverpool to London on Sunday six hours. What about all those people at Euston we met at 7 pm on Sunday who had been waiting all day to get to COP26 on Sunday but we’re still stuck at Euston… But a new liveried trian makes the headlines.