REGIONAL train operator One is working with a team of industry partners to improve the performance and reliability of the air conditioning on the company's fleet of mainline Mark 3 coaches operating between Norwich and London.

REGIONAL train operator One is working with a team of industry partners to improve the performance and reliability of the air conditioning on the company's fleet of mainline Mark 3 coaches operating between Norwich and London.

Led by One's fleet engineering team at the Crown Point maintenance depot in Norwich, the partnership also includes Porterbrook (the rolling stock leasing company which owns the coaches), Bombardier (which is refurbishing the vehicles for One), Wabtec (which is modifying the air con modules as part of the refurbishment) and Techtrain (a consultancy specialising in rail vehicle air conditioning).

Work has included the virtually rebuilding of the modules, with a number of parts being replaced with more reliable equivalents and any immediate faults detected on their return from the Bombardier site in Derby being addressed under warranty arrangements.

A wider programme of “pre-summer” checks to equipment has also taken place and a continual checking regime is to be introduced, with dedicated night shift and Crown Point ready to carry out necessary adjustments.

Another change is an “auto-reset” device which will allow for more effective cooling of carriages while the trains are stationery in the platforms at Liverpool Street station.

And, if air con problems do occur, One has pledged to provide complimentary water for customers travelling in any affected coaches, or to move passengers to an alternative coach where possible.

Steve Rees, engineering director for One, said: “As is evident from this comprehensive list of actions, there is a serious commitment on the part of One and our industry partners in striving to improve air conditioning performance for passengers travelling on mainline intercity services between Norwich and London.

“By involving our partners and suppliers in our action plans, we are making every effort to provide more comfortable and consistent temperatures on board our mainline trains this summer, improving the customer experience.”