Virgin Rail appoints three

Virgin Rail has appointed London groups Start, JHL and Priestman Goode to create the new trains for both its Cross Country and West Coast Main Lines.

Start will create the trains’ liveries, with JHL responsible for the interior concepts. Meanwhile, Priestman Goode will develop the industrial/product elements of the trains, such as the seat design and the nose.

“We are reviewing all aspects of the train to make it more customer-focused. Everything from catering through to entertainment will be included as part of this,” says Virgin Rail design director Ashley Stockwell. Stockwell says the consultancies will be involved in the strategic side of the new trains’ positioning.