East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced a £60 million programme to refurbish its fleet of 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.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: "This multi-million-pound investment into our Connect and Regional fleets is fantastic news for our customers and the regions we serve.
“It is also great news for the country’s rail industry, with all the work being carried out by UK companies.”
Huw Merriman, Rail Minister, said: “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.”
“It is great news for the country’s rail industry, with all the work being carried out by UK companies.”
The project is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains, Siemens, Porterbrook and Eversholt and leverages significant private sector investment.
Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “Angel Trains is pleased to share that £28 million is being invested in our Class 360 fleet.
“As part of our continual investment in our trains, we are also actively working with East Midlands Railway to refresh and enhance our Class 158 fleet.”
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with East Midlands Railway to improve our fleet.
“Our investment in the upgrade of the Class 170 fleet will enhance the passenger experience for EMR’s customers.”
The trains in EMR’s Class 360 fleet will be upgraded to provide better facilities for commuter, leisure and airport passengers and feature new 2+2 seating throughout the trains, complete with luggage racks and charging points.
The Class 170 trains have come to EMR from several different operators and will be upgraded to provide a consistent customer experience across the fleet. All trains will be fitted with new seats, passenger information systems and CCTV.
The Class 158 fleet will receive an interior refresh and be fitted with CCTV.
Further details of the upgrades will be shared as the designs are finalised.
Image credit: East Midlands Railway
