Rail operator announces start of £60m regional fleet revamp

East Midlands Railway has announced the start of a £60 million programme to refurbish its regional fleet.

The project will involve the revamp of the train operator’s Class 360, Class 158 and Class 170 trains.

Together with the introduction of the new Aurora Intercity trains, this will mean that all of EMR’s trains will either be replaced with new trains or refurbished.

EMR’s Class 170 trains operate regional services across the East Midlands, serving a number of locations, including Derby.

Will Rogers, managing director at East Midlands Railway, said: “The refurbishment will redefine the travel experience across every corner of our network.

“Be it commuters, leisure travellers or airport passengers, this investment will be transformative – offering them more convenience, comfort and better facilities.

“It is also great news for the country’s rail industry, with all the work being carried out by UK companies.

“Combined with the up-and-coming introduction of our Intercity Aurora fleet – it will mean every train we operate will either be new or refurbished.”

According to EMR, the project is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains, Siemens, Porterbrook, and Eversholt and will leverage significant private sector investment.

EMR’s electric Class 360 fleet operates EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services between Corby and London St Pancras.

EMR’s Class 170 fleet operates regional services across the East Midlands including, Matlock to Derby and Nottingham, Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield, Newark Castle to Crewe via Nottingham, Derby and Stoke-On-Trent, Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln, Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham, Cleethorpes to Leicester via Lincoln and Nottingham, and Cleethorpes to Barton on Humber.

The trains have come to EMR from different operators and will be upgraded to provide a consistent customer experience across the fleet.

All trains will receive new seat foams and covers, an extensive refresh, as well as new passenger information systems and CCTV.

EMR’s Class 158 fleet mainly operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield. The trains will receive new seat covers and foams, an interior refresh and CCTV.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This refurbishment programme will provide a boost to the UK rail industry and is great news for passengers, who will soon benefit from significantly more enjoyable journeys across the EMR network on new and improved trains.

“This kind of investment is crucial as we continue to modernise our railways, enhancing the passenger experience for millions of people and attracting more people to travel by rail.”