For now, it is completely unclear how far passengers will travel on the future HS2 service and whether they will arrive at Euston or take the high-speed line to Crewe. But no matter how short the journey, an exclusive peek into HS2’s early carriages reveals travelers will be sitting in “the best seats on Britain’s trains”. You can probably sit on the toilet too.
Aware of complaints about the ‘ironing board’ seats on some of Britain’s newest trains, HS2 puts passengers’ backs and buttocks in the spotlight.
Although the train will not be built until 2026, a full-size wooden mock-up of the train interior to contract specifications is being built in a dedicated room at manufacturer Alstom’s factory in Derby for testing by various user groups. has been.
The standard seats have an even wider legroom of 87cm, which is “best in class”, and can be reclined without interfering with the space of others. It also features a built-in reading light, easy-to-access charging points and plugs, a folding table and a rack to keep your electronics easily visible.
“Our aim is to make this the most comfortable seat on a train in the UK,” said James Dawson, Senior Vehicle Engineer at HS2 Ltd.
Dawson stressed that there will be compromises due to space constraints, but cushioning will be a priority.
Simon Aslett, rolling stock director at West Coast Partnership Development, which operates the trains, warned that test groups’ preferences vary: “We intend to abide by the agreement, but some people may be offended.” he said.
The HS2 toilet has a drawer rack for storing bags just above floor level. Photo: andrewhendry.com/©HS2 Ltd
There is plenty of accommodation for those who have to leave their seats to answer the call of nature, especially parents struggling to care for young children. New restrooms include changing tables in every restroom, as well as pull-down seats to secure infants and pull-out racks to store bags just above floor level where they may be wet. Includes innovative features.
For passengers who cannot hear the on-board announcement, the train’s progress will be updated on the information screen next to the mirror.
Aslett, who studies Italian high-speed services, said toilets may be cleaned more regularly than British passengers expect. “Italians will not put up with some of the conditions that we accept in Britain,” he said. Funny signage and talking toilets are unlikely, he said.
The train’s mechanical equipment will take up less ceiling space than on most existing trains, allowing for slightly more headroom than usual. A dedicated section of the train has space for four reservable bicycles, as well as space for unfolded strollers and prams.
The final, adjusted design is expected to go into production in 2026. As a result of user consultation on HS2 so far, we have made adjustments to the poles and overhead racks, and removed the deep cup placeholder on the table as advised by our cleaners. “The kids will shove the jam inside,” Dawson said.
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A view of the interior of the HS2 vehicle. Photo: andrewhendry.com/©HS2 Ltd
Like the rest of HS2, the trains have caused some controversy, including legal challenges to the procurement process, and costs have been affected by political indecision and change.
Across the original HS2 network, which was designed to run from Manchester to Leeds, vehicle floors will now be flush with the new HS2 platform, allowing wheelchairs, buggies and suitcases to move in a straight line.
“Level boarding makes a huge difference, and that’s one of the best things about this project,” Dawson said. This will be possible at Old Oak Common and Birmingham, but it is increasingly likely that trains will have to run on existing conventional lines, so all vehicles will have retractable steps at non-HS2 stations with lower platforms. will be installed.
The 54 trains will be built at three sites in the UK under a £1.6bn contract. The shell will take place at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site, the bogies (wheels and axles) at Alstom’s facility in Crewe and final assembly at the historic Derby factory.
The mock-up’s release comes amid fresh speculation surrounding the wider HS2 project since it was abruptly scaled back by Rishi Sunak a year ago. Labor is yet to confirm expected funding for the HS2 tunnel to Euston station in central London. It is also yet to be confirmed whether and how an additional rail line could be built north of Birmingham to Crewe and Manchester to address capacity issues on the West Coast Main Line when HS2 trains start running. .
