TransPennine Express (TPE) has given its Class 185 trains a makeover, with almost 18,000 seats and more than two miles of carpet cleaned to give customers a fresher journey across the North.
A total of 16,932 Standard Class seat covers have been cleaned, including the bases and backs, alongside 765 First Class seats.
Teams have also worked their way through 10,750 feet of carpet, equivalent to more than two miles.
The work is helping to keep TPE’s Class 185 trains looking fresh and welcoming for the thousands of customers who travel on them.
And the makeover isn’t just happening inside. The vinyl livery on the outside of the trains has also been renewed, helping to keep the fleet looking its best while protecting the exterior.
More than 24,763 feet, or 4.69 miles of vinyl was used to complete the work.
Paul Staples, engineering, safety and sustainability director at TPE, said: “Our Class 185 trains are a familiar sight across the North and play an important role in helping people get where they need to be.
“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to look after our trains. Cleaning and renewing thousands of seats and more than two miles of carpet is a big job, but it all helps make journeys more comfortable for our customers.
“We want people to step onboard and find a train that feels clean, fresh and welcoming.”
The refresh comes as TPE continues to invest in both its current and future trains.
The operator recently announced a £1 billion investment in 29 new five-car battery electric trains which will eventually join the TPE rolling stock fleet and provide improved capacity and performance as part of the TRU programme.
The new trains will offer more luggage space, power and USB-C charging at every seat, Wi-Fi, passenger information screens and dedicated cycle storage.
In the meantime, the work on the Class 185s will help keep the existing trains looking their best and providing a comfortable environment for customers.
Image credit: TPE
