The Class 444 Desiro is the one of our long-distance trains. We have 45 of these trains. The Class 444 Desiro operates on our long-distance routes on our network, including between:
The Class 444 Desiro came into service in 2004, and was built by Siemens. These trains have five carriages, and replaced many of the British Railway "slam door" trains used before. They can operate "in multiple", which means two trains can run together as a ten-carriage train. They can also work with Class 450 Desiro trains, to make a nine-carriage train.
Train plan
How many seats does a Class 444 Desiro have?
A Class 444 Desiro has 327 Standard Class seats, and 32 First Class seats. 35 seats (28 in standard class, 7 in first class) have been designated as priority seats.
How many cycles can a Class 444 Desiro carry?
A Class 444 Desiro can carry 6 cycles. They can't carry tandem bicycles or trailers. Find out more about our cycle policy.
How many wheelchair users can travel on a Class 444 Desiro?
Two wheelchair users can travel safely in Standard Class on a Class 444 Desiro.
What accessible features does the Class 444 Desiro have?
Our Class 444 Desiro trains have:
For physically disabled people:
- Power-operated external doors, which contrast with the rest of the train. They're at a height where they can be used by a wheelchair user on the platform easily.
- Large external door operation buttons, with what the button does clearly marked in English and Braille. They contrast with the door and light up when active.
- Gender-neutral lavatories are provided throughout the train. An accessible lavatory with call-for-aid buttons at floor level and adequate room to move a wheelchair or scooter can be located in the area for wheelchair users. There are also handholds and a low-level sink with motion-activated water and dryer.
- Call for aid buttons near each wheelchair position, with direct communication to the driver.
- Flip-down tables next to each wheelchair position. These are heavy, and require two hands to operate. It may be difficult for people with dexterity issues to move the table into place.
- An on-board ramp with locking pins for the train that the crew are trained to deploy. The gap between the train and platform can often be difficult for wheelchair users and customers with limited leg and upper body strength. Assistance joining and leaving the train is available from the crew.
For D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, and sound-sensitive people
- Assistance dogs are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead.
- An on-board audiovisual announcement system in English. This system issues the stations where the train stops, as well as security and safety messages. The system can be overridden by the on-board crew.
- A quiet carriage.
- Our crew all carry smartphones, which you can use for alternative forms of communication if needed.
For blind, partially-sighted people, and photosensitive people
- Assistance dogs are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead.
- Large external door operation buttons, with what the button does clearly marked in English and Braille. They contrast with the door and light up when active. A chime will also sound when the doors have been activated, and an alarm will sound when they are closing.
- Unfortunately the nature of how our trains are powered means that we can't guarantee lighting will be flicker-free. Warm fluorescent lighting is used throughout, with light diffusers.
For Autistic, anxious and Neurodiverse people
- Assistance dogs are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead.
- We welcome anxious or nervous travellers to try the train with us before making a journey. Our ambassador team will happily support individuals or groups at a station, navigating buying tickets, boarding trains, travelling, and seeking help if you need it.
- Our crew all carry smartphones, which you can use for alternative forms of communication if needed.
For people with severe allergies or who are immunocompromised
- Our heating and cooling systems are roof-mounted on the train. We're not able to turn these off except in emergencies.
- You're welcome to use a safety/particulate mask on board if you need to.
Header image: Justin Foulger https://www.flickr.com/photos/justinfoulger - Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
