The first of 40 upgraded First Capital Connect trains serving the Great Northern route came into service last week.

The Comet: Upgraded First Capital Connect trainsUpgraded First Capital Connect trains (Image: www.peteralvey.co.uk)

Upgrades to the trains, which will travel through Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth GC and Baldock on the line between London King’s Cross and Peterborough, Cambridge, and King’s Lynn, include new seat covers and flooring.

It is planned that the rest of the refurbished trains will come into service in phases over the next couple of years to guarantee train availability at any one time.

From this spring, there will be further improvements to the upgraded trains to ensure they comply with disability regulations.

David Statham, First Capital Connect’s managing director, said: “The upgraded train looks and feels like a new train and I am delighted our passengers can enjoy a more comfortable and modern travel environment.

“This major upgrade provides better, brighter, new look trains, and will soon include enhanced accessibility features and improved on-board information.”

North East Herts MP Oliver Heald said: “It is very good news that First Capital Connect is upgrading their trains. It will make the journeys of my constituents more comfortable and this will particularly benefit commuters. I look forward to travelling in one myself.”