East Midlands Railway (EMR) has initiated a 60 million pound (70 million euro) refurbishment programme aimed at modernising its Connect and Regional fleet. This comprehensive project, undertaken in collaboration with Angel Trains, Siemens, Porterbrook, and Eversholt, marks a substantial investment in the region’s rail infrastructure.

The refurbishment programme encompasses the upgrading of EMR’s Class 360, Class 158, and Class 170 trains, with a focus on enhancing passenger comfort and experience. Notably, all refurbishment activities will be conducted within the UK, providing a notable boost to the domestic supply chain.

EMR’s electric Class 360 fleet, which services EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express routes between Corby and London St Pancras, will undergo extensive improvements. Passengers can expect upgraded facilities including new seating arrangements, charging points, luggage racks, and advanced passenger information systems. Similarly, the Class 170 fleet, responsible for regional services across the East Midlands, will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment to ensure consistency in customer experience. Upgrades will include new seat foams and covers, interior refreshments, as well as the installation of modern passenger information systems and CCTV.

Meanwhile, the Class 158 fleet, predominantly operating on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester, and Sheffield, will see enhancements such as new seat covers and foams, alongside interior refreshments and CCTV installation. As the refurbishment project progresses, further details regarding design enhancements will be unveiled, promising an exciting future for EMR passengers with upgraded and revitalised train services.

Further reading:

• EMR and One Big Circle collaborate on DepotMATE rail safety project
• Another Cardiff-Edinburgh rail service proposal
• Academic input to improve performance of Britain’s East Midlands Railway