EMR £60m upgrade for train fleets

EAST Midlands Railway has announced a “transformative” investment of £60m to refurbish several fleets of trains, including services in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

EMR says its Class 170 trains will be among those upgraded or replaced. The 170 fleet operates regional services across the East Midlands including Matlock to Derby and Nottingham, Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield and Newark Castle to Crewe via Nottingham.

Will Rogers, managing director of 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.”

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.”

He added: “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.”

The trains being upgraded will feature new 2+2 seating, luggage racks, charging points and passenger information systems.