Adding to a fleet of new Intercity Express Trains due into service this summer, GWR has announced a scheme to modernise High Speed Trains (HSTs) to provide more additional seats and services.

Work is under way to convert former eight-carriage HSTs to four-carriage Class 43 Castle trains to operate services between Exeter and Penzance, which will help double the frequency of services on the Cornish main line.

Decade-old slam doors will be replaced with modern, automated, sliding doors; toilet retention tanks will be fitted and an improved passenger information system added.

GWR’s Matthew Golton said: ‘These trains will replace smaller, less powerful trains on this part of the network; doubling the number of seats as part of our commitment to improving rolling stock across every part of our network.

‘They will work alongside the new Intercity Express Trains due this summer; helping us to double the frequency of services to and from the South West and improve capacity on suburban commuter services.’

48 passenger carriages and 24 power cars are being updated, to make 11 sets, with four spare, as part of a wider national programme to modernise the High Speed Train. 

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: ‘The arrival of these trains marks another milestone in efforts to transform services on the Cornish mainline.

‘Later this year, these new short form HSTs provide our local rail service – trains leaving Penzance for Plymouth every 30 minutes and stopping at stations along the way.’

The completed first train set is being tested and is expected to provide an Exeter to Penzance shuttle later this week, more than doubling the number of seats per train.

The Class 43 Castle trains will be maintained at GWR’s depot at Laira, Plymouth.