East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced the start of a 60 million GBP refurbishment project for its Connect and Regional fleet.
This programme will renovate the operator’s Class 360, Class 158 and Class 170 trains, through work solely carried out in the UK.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains, Siemens, Porterbrook, and Eversholt, leveraging significant private-sector investment.
Alongside introducing the new Aurora Intercity trains, this work will mean that all of EMR’s trains will either be replaced with new or refurbished models.
Class 360
EMR’s electric Class 360 fleet provides EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services between Corby and London St Pancras with stops at Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton and Luton Airport Parkway.
These trains will be upgraded with better facilities for commuter, leisure and airport passengers. This will include new 2+2 seating throughout the trains in a mixture of airline-style and bay seats, as well as luggage racks, charging points and new passenger information systems.
Class 170
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.
These trains were previously used by different operators, so are equipped with varied features. They will now be upgraded to provide a consistent customer experience across the fleet.
The trains will all receive new seat foams and covers, as well as new passenger information systems and CCTV.
Class 158
EMR’s Class 158 fleet primarily 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.
“This multi-million-pound investment into our Connect and Regional fleets is fantastic news for our customers and the regions we serve.
“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.”
