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News Report Page 8 of 14
Publication Date:-
2024-10-25
 
News reports located on this page = 2.

HS2 enlists public in design of new generation of high speed trains

HIGH speed trains due to run on HS2 and further North on the West Coast Main Line will help deliver a:- "step change in the passenger experience," engineers said, as detailed designs for the new fleet are finalised.

In the most extensive project of its kind seen in the UK, the public has been put at the heart of refining designs for the interior of the 54 trains. The process is being taken forward by West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), HS2 Ltd and its manufacturing partner, joint venture Hitachi-Alstom High Speed (HAH-S).

Since the start of this year, a range of customer groups, including:- those with reduced mobility, cyclists and young families, have been invited to experience life sized wooden mock ups of the trains at the HAH-S facility in Derby; helping engineers to understand the levels of ease, accessibility and comfort.

The process included:- reviewing different options around boarding and alighting from the train, the positioning of grab rails to aid mobility and support, and testing the layout of toilets; particularly for wheelchair customers.

Life-sized mock-ups were also made of other sections of the train including, the café, and child buggy storage.

It forms part of a refinement process; supported by market research; that enables the final designs to be adjusted to fully meet the needs of passengers and staff. Although similar processes have previously been used in the development of rolling stock, this is believed to be the most extensive user development exercise ever undertaken for a new train fleet built in the UK.

Twenty groups have provided feedback on the designs so far as part of a process organised by WCPD, the train's future operator. They also used insights from their:- 'customer community' a consumer focus group of 5,000 people who have a mix of travelling needs. This underlines the scale of the progress that has already been made as part of the complex development of HS2's fully electric trains that will offer unparalleled levels of reliability, speed and comfort and will help in the fight against climate change.

HS2 Ltd senior rolling stock engineer, James Dawson said:- "We're designing HS2 to provide a step-change in the passenger experience so that it's accessible to everyone; and especially to people who don't currently think train travel is for them or don't consider in the 1st place. I'm confident that work with both WCPD and HAH-S, plus our innovative design refinement approach, will deliver a quality product that stands the test of time."

West Coast Partnership Development rolling stock Director, Simon Aslett said:- "Together with our partners at HS2 and HAH-S, we want to produce a train that delivers the best travel experience in the UK and competes with other modes of transport. As part of our work to prepare for future operations, public testing at this stage of the programme enables us to make the right decisions for customers in this critical design phase of the project."

Hitachi Alstom High Speed collaborative design manager, Niall Simmons, said:- "As we progress towards delivering the next generation of high speed trains for HS2, the feedback from passengers has been invaluable. Their insights are helping us refine the design to ensure that our trains not only meet but exceed expectations for accessibility, comfort and convenience. Engaging with a diverse range of future passengers, including:- those who may not typically consider train travel, has been crucial in shaping the features that will make a real difference to their experience. HAH-S is committed to putting passengers at the heart of every decision. By working closely with the public, we are confident that we're creating a fleet of trains that will set new standards for intercity travel in the UK. This collaborative approach ensures that when HS2 is operational, it will deliver a transformative and stress-free journey for a wide range of people."

Passengers like to be able to see their luggage throughout journeys, so designers have maximised both overhead and under seat storage space to accommodate a variety of baggage and case sizes in an effort to enhance convenience and reduce stress levels.

As part of the design, a carefully considered mix of airline style seats in rows and 4 table seats is provided throughout the train to ensure there is a seat for everyone's needs and with generous legroom.

With feedback from user group sessions, designers have repositioned grab handles near the doors, created a:- 'step free' solution at HS2 Stations for passengers, rearranged USB-C sockets and tray tables, and adjusted wheelchair spaces to give a much better customer experience.

Future user group sessions will help designers to finalise passenger seat design to ensure they are comfortable for everyone on long journeys; as well as optimising the train's LED lighting system to help deliver an enhanced ambience throughout the day and across the seasons.

Additionally, testers gave feedback on the:- 'step free' access design that will enable passengers to board and alight more easily at HS2 Stations.

Once the train's designs are finalised, full production will start around 2027. Bodyshell welding and electrical installation will be led by Hitachi's Co. Durham plant before the interior fit out is completed by Alstom in Derby.

HS2's trains will offer direct services between London and the West Midlands plus services further north via the West Coast Main Line.

Manufacture of the rolling stock will take place in parallel to the huge construction of the new line, with the railway expected to be operational between:- 2029 and 2033. When complete, HS2 will create shorter and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space on the southern part of the existing West Coast Main Line.


Generation Green 2 funding makes youth Hostel residential a reality for St John Bosco Arts College students

30 students from St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth, Liverpool have had the residential School trip of a lifetime, thanks to Generation Green 2 funding; a trip they could not otherwise have afforded due to the cost of living crisis.

In addition to all accommodation and activities, YHA (England and Wales) was also able to provide a bursary to contribute to the School's transport costs.

Amy Armstrong, teacher and Key Stage 4 Geography Coordinator at St John Bosco Arts College who applied for funding and organised the trip, said:- "It felt incredible to be given the opportunity to bring our students on a fully funded residential at YHA through Generation Green. The cost of trips like this is something that really limits us as a School. The young people in our area were impacted massively by COVID and the cost of living crisis, not only financially but socially and culturally too, and the School is generally feeling the impact of that with the level of deprivation rising in our City. Our staff provided 18 coats for the trip and it could not have happened without the support from YHA."

As part of the one-night stay at the youth Hostel, St John Bosco pupils got to experience a guided walk around Malham including:- Janet's Foss waterfall, as well as activities such as:- shelter building, fire lighting and an evening campfire.



The St John Bosco students join more than 14,000 young people living in England's most socially disadvantaged areas, who are benefitting from Generation Green 2 funding. According to a report by Liverpool City Council, almost a quarter of England's 100 most deprived small areas are in Liverpool with Croxteth having some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country.

YHA (England and Wales) is part of the 15 strong Access Unlimited coalition of not for profit youth organisations, School residential outdoor providers, and organisations managing protected landscapes, delivering Generation Green 2 funded activities.

Generation Green 2 is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature.

YHA's share of the £4.5million funding pot is helping to provide more than 4,000 fully-funded 1 or two night residential trips to youth Hostels for Schools based in some of England's most deprived areas.

Explaining the impact of the YHA residential experience on the students, Ms Armstrong said:- "Some of our students have never even been out of Liverpool. Seeing horses, chasing sheep and stroking cows. It gave them contextual knowledge that they would never get otherwise. It was amazing to see the interaction between different year groups and students that wouldn't normally talk to each other at School. On the trip they were smiling, relaxed and willing to chat to each other. I was emotional seeing them together at Janet's Foss waterfall, and hearing the sense of achievement that they came away with. It is hard to put into words the impact that this trip will have on them."



Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature connection also leads to more willingness to take action to help wildlife and the environment.

James Blake, Chief Executive YHA (England and Wales), and Chair of the Access Unlimited coalition commented:- "Since 1930 YHA has been committed to helping young people connect with nature and the outdoors, especially those with least access, like those from St John Bosco Arts College. It is through the power of partnerships, like Access Unlimited, that we are able to deliver impact at scale across our youth Hostel network. This project brings the vision of a night under the stars for every child 1 step closer."

Delivery of Generation Green 2 began in spring this year and has, so far, enabled more than 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England. Demand for Generation Green 2 funded activities from Schools and groups has been extremely high, however there is still availability. To find out more and access free resources to help young people connect with nature visit:-YHA.Org.UK.

 
      
 
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