Virgin Trains launches routes from Sunderland and Stirling to London

The new services are in response to demands from both business and leisure customers for more early morning departures that will give them a longer day in London, according to a Virgin press release. A number of guests were on board both inaugural services on Monday, before UK Rail Minister Claire Perry MP greeted the Sunderland service at London King’s Cross Station and named the train ‘Spirit of Sunderland’. “These new services will provide better journeys for customers and boost economic ties between Scotland, the north east and London, stimulating growth and helping rebalance our economy. They are further proof that the new east coast franchise is delivering real benefits for customers across the UK,” said Claire Perry. The new routes are part of Virgin Trains’ plans to transform its east coast route service, which includes a £21million overhaul of its fleet of 45 trains. Virgin launched its east coast services in March and has announced plans to invest £140million over eight years - part of which will go towards introducing 65 brand new Virgin Trains on the east coast from 2018. David Horne, Managing Director of Virgin Trains on its east coast route, said: “This is a hugely exciting day for us as we launch more services, and add Sunderland to the Virgin rail map. Business and leisure customers have been calling for more early morning departures that will give them a longer day in London, and we’re delighted to be delivering on our promise by launching these new services.” Virgin East Coast has also added a evening service between Hull and Doncaster.

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