Passengers were given an insight into the future of the Cornwall to London rail link today when they became the first customers to board new trains promising to be faster and larger.

A Class 802 Intercity Express Train ran for the very first time with passengers on board to form the 05:53 Plymouth to London Paddington service. This was followed by another for the 07:30 service from London Paddington to Penzance.

The trains use Hitachi’s bullet train technology, known for its quality and reliability, and have been designed to withstand the region’s variable weather conditions, including routes along the Dawlish coast, according to Great Western Railway.

The company says that passengers can expect more seats, better onboard facilities and shorter journey times, saving as much as 14 minutes between London Paddington and Penzance once the new timetables are introduced in 2019.

The entire fleet is fitted with hybrid technology, allowing trains to use both diesel and electric power.

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We know how important the railway is to the economies and communities of the South West and I am delighted to see this first new train for Devon and Cornwall services carry passengers.

“Already delivering significant improvements elsewhere on the GWR network, these new trains will, with an improved timetable, enable us to offer a step change in passenger transport.

“The trains will help us provide faster, more frequent services into the South West, each offering up to 24 per cent more seats per train, in greater comfort and with improved on board facilities.”

Cornwall is the latest location to get the use of Intercity Express Trains, which began running on the Great Western main line last year, connecting London to cities such Reading, Swindon, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff.

Today marks the second wave of 36 trains that began running between London Paddington via Reading, Wiltshire, Somerset - to coastal routes in Devon and Cornwall, as far south as Penzance.