SWR Legoland Arterio train marks 30 years of Legoland

SWR Legoland Arterio train was unveiled by South Western Railway at London Waterloo Station. The launch marked 30 years since Legoland Windsor Resort opened. The unit is part of the Alstom Aventra family. It carries LEGO-inspired branding. It was named the “Legoland Locomotive.”

The launch took place in the presence of the character “Brick Suit Girl.” The train then departed for Windsor & Eton Riverside. That station is used by many families traveling to Legoland.

Legoland Windsor Resort link on the SWR network

Meanwhile, SWR says the themed train reflects a long-standing connection. It links the network with one of the UK’s best-known theme parks. Legoland Windsor Resort opened on March 17, 1996. Since then, thousands of passengers have used the train. They use it to reach the leisure complex in Windsor. At the same time, the operator points to the new visual identity. It wants to show that the journey itself can form part of the leisure experience. It is not just the transport element.

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Also, the company says trains of this kind can turn the trip into part of the experience. It says this is especially true for children traveling to leisure destinations. “There is extensive research on the importance of creativity in children for their health and well-being, and train travel offers the ideal time and opportunity for imaginative play,” explained parenting expert Rachel Kelly.

For example, she added that drawing can induce a state of relaxation and focus. Building with LEGO can do the same. So can simply looking out the window. She said this can reduce stress. It can also foster a more enjoyable experience for children and parents alike.

SWR Legoland Arterio train and fleet rollout

In addition, the launch marked another stage in the introduction of the Arterio train fleet. That stage was previously covered by Railway Supply. The programme is valued at one billion GBP. Separately, SWR says these trains now operate on the commuter network. The total is more than 500 trips per day. The operator became publicly owned last year. Since then, more than 30 additional Arterio multiple units have entered regular service.

Still, SWR says the new trains provide 50% more capacity. This is compared with the units they are replacing. It says this should help modernize travel on the suburban network. That network is in London and southwest England.

Merlin Entertainments attractions and rail travel

Meanwhile, the Arterio fleet also serves routes to other attractions operated by Merlin Entertainments. The special Legoland-themed train is part of that fleet. Merlin Entertainments is the parent company of Legoland Windsor Resort.

Those attractions include:

• Chessington World of Adventures Resort
• London Eye
• Thorpe Park
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium

“The unveiling of the Legoland locomotive is the perfect way to celebrate 30 years of Legoland Windsor Resort. This route takes families to Merlin destinations, from Legoland at one end to our attractions on the South Bank, including the London Eye, at the other, with Thorpe Park along the way,” said Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments.

Separately, James Wale is director of rolling stock at SWR. He said the train is about more than getting from one place to another. “Naming one of our trains the Legoland Locomotive celebrates the idea that a train journey is about more than just getting from A to B. Railways connect people with the places they love, and the journey is part of the adventure,” he said.

In addition, SWR said passengers who travel by train can receive a one-third discount. It applies to day passes for Legoland. This is through the South Western Railway Rewards programme.

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