Aurora to light up the tracks
PUBLIC CHOOSE NAME FOR FLEET OF NEW TRAINS
EAST Midlands Railway’s new intercity fleet will be known as Aurora after the name was chosen from more than 2,000 competition entries.
The Aurora fleet includes Japanese bullet-train technology and will provide fast journeys between London, Sheffield and Nottingham from 2023.
Aurora is the name of the Roman goddess of the dawn, representing the new start Aurora provides for the railway serving the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, EMR said.
It is also inspired by the Northern Lights, created by the transfer of the sun’s solar energy – matching Aurora’s ability to run under electric power.
The name appealed to the judges, who were won over by the two meanings.
The Aurora trains, financed by Rock Rail East Midlands, will be built by Hitachi Rail UK in County Durham.
They have the ability to run using electric overhead lines wherever possible, taking advantage of the £1.5 billion Midland Mainline upgrade and will ultimately replace the diesel train fleet.
As a result, they are quieter and greener, meaning lower carbon emissions and a better environment for passengers, stations and communities along the route.
EMR said passengers will also see major improvements, including more seats and modern interiors alongside air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and better passenger information screens.
Construction is due to start later this year, with the first units due to start mainline testing in mid-2022 and passenger service from early 2023.
Will Rogers, managing director at East Midlands Railway, said: “It’s fantastic to see the level of excitement that surrounds the introduction of the Aurora fleet.
“We love the winning name as it really fits the project and its aim to bring a new start for the Midland Mainline and our passengers.
“We know our passengers are looking forward to the introduction of the Aurora fleet and the modern, comfortable and greener journeys they will provide.”
Jim Brewin, of Hitachi Rail, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a high level of engagement in East Midlands Railway’s competition to name the new fleet.
“The Aurora is a brilliant winning name and well suited to the fleet that is being delivered – the latest model of our intercity trains.”
Mark Swindell, director of Rock Rail East Midlands, said: “We are delighted the new Aurora fleet is set to transform the journeys for passengers along the routes between London, Sheffield and Nottingham.
“Together with our institutional investor partners, we are committed to supporting more sustainable travel and the Aurora’s greener credentials will help the UK’s drive towards reducing carbon and other harmful emissions.”