Reality TV star on boiling Avanti train says “I’m gonna die any minute now” as operator says air con on new £350M trains is being investigated

Avanti has admitted on social media that there is a problem with its fleet of £350M trains and that engineers are at a loss to the cause of the problem.

A passenger posted a pic on the company’s X account of an Evero train, along with the comment: “I had high hopes for the new trains but v disappointed today it's really chilly onboard train manager says it's set to 22C but just cold air blowing where I am sat, coat and hat on scarf over legs still cold. Shop is freezing too. Poor staff, it must be like Vladivostok for them. Next time I'll bring a blanket. Avanti replied: “ I do apologise for the temperature on our new trains. This is something our fleet team are investigating and hope to have a resolution soon.”

The refurbished Pendolino fleet hasn’t escaped air con problems, with passenger John Malone complainong: “Can you explain why you have the air con blasting out this morning when it’s minus 4? Whole carriage is sat shivering with hats and coats on???”

While some passengers complain of near frost bite conditions, other Avanti passengers were roasting, thanks to the faulty air conditioning.
Star of reality show Desperate Scousewives, Jaiden Micheal said: “Eh babes, sat on a train being held at Euston coz of a gas leak, the heating is on and I’m gonna die any minute now. Any chance of telling the driver to turn it down? I’m disabled. A girl next to me just said she’s going to pass out because it’s so hot. It’s defo a safety issue.”

Another hot passenger, El Seale posted: “Hi guys, I know it’s cold but any chance you can turn the heating down on your trains? Feel like I’m sat in my air fryer. They’ve (train manager) just said they’re turning it up. Everybody around me is complaining it’s too hot as it is”.

These latest problems with the air conditioning follow a summer of complaints from passengers about boiling hot trains, with some parents choosing to take their young children off the trains, due to the stifling conditions. On other occasions, passengers complained of dripping water from the ceiling damaging their lap tops and clothes – some liking it to having an onboard shower.

Avanti has been contacted for a comment, but as yet has not replied.

Fabulous railway books: https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop

Extensive rail picture library. Pic researchers and commissions welcome: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanwebb/