Latest News | 27 April 2021
EMR’s new Aurora fleet starts to come together
East Midlands Railway has marked the milestone of welding beginning on its new fleet of bi-mode trains by releasing a new video about the project.
The video, which features shots from across the East Midlands, footage of welding and interviews with EMR staff, also highlights the challenges the company will face as it works on introducing the new start-of-the-art Aurora fleet to the region.
The fleet of 33 five-carriage trains, which will be able to run on electricity and diesel, will start to enter service in 2023.
According to EMR, the Aurora fleet will offer significant advances on the existing fleet, with passengers benefiting from more seats and modern interiors.
They include air conditioning, free wifi throughout, plug sockets and better passenger information screens.
As well as investing in the new trains, which are being built by Hitachi, the firm is also upgrading its depot at Etches Park, in Derby, where the Aurora fleet will be maintained.
Rachel Turner, head of new trains at EMR, said: “The start of the welding process is an exciting milestone in the journey to bring our new state-of-the art Aurora trains to East Midlands Railway customers.
“We are also working in partnership with Hitachi to provide more opportunities and significant investment to Derby and the wider East Midlands.
“This includes working with Derby-based supplier, DGDESIGN, to create unique, comfortable and welcoming interiors for the Aurora, as well as investing to upgrade our depot at Etches Park so it can continue to provide highly-skilled jobs and maintain the fleet for many years to come.
“Our joint commitment will not only ensure that the fleet meets the needs of our customers but also that EMR can continue to support the communities we serve.”
To watch the new video click here.
