Better journeys after carriage refurbishment

First Capital Connect (FCC) has revealed plans to transform the trains that travel through Sandy, Biggleswade and Arlesey by giving them fresh interiors and enhanced accessibility.

Heavy maintenance work will also be carried out as part of the £31m project.

The work will be undertaken by Railcare at its Wolverton plant.

The first new look train will enter service at the end of the year. All of the work will be finished in three and a half years’ time.

David Statham, managing director for First Capital Connect, said: “This major investment in one of our biggest fleets of trains will give us a brighter, new look train cabin with better information and better facilities for people with disabilities.”

There will be an improved wheelchair accessible toilet in each four carriage unit, two spaces for wheelchairs instead of one plus companion seating and an automated passenger information system with audio announcements as well as visual ones.

However wheelchair users will still have access problems due to the lack of ramps at Biggleswade, Sandy and Arlesey stations.