EMR showcases Class 810 seats
EAST MIDLANDS Railway has been showcasing the seats that are due to be fitted to the new Hitachi-built Class 810 Aurora fleet, giving a glimpse of what passengers can expect from the trains when they enter service. Examples of the Standard Class seats were showcased at Nottingham and Derby stations, while First Class seats were displayed at Sheffield station.
Working with Derby-based design firm DGDESIGN, EMR has taken a proven seat design produced by Italian manufacturer FISA and refined it to offer enhanced comfort and support for passengers. The operator says that the appearance of the seats has also been improved to match what EMR believes customers expect from an Intercity service. The rework has included increasing the size of the cushions, headrests and armrests, making sure that high quality and durable materials such as a wool-rich moquette and leather are used.
The seats will also include power and USB points, generous leg room, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables for all airlinestyle seating, and space to stow a cabin-bag underneath each seat. EMR transition and projects director Lisa Angus said: “We are excited to showcase the new Aurora seats to customers and to allow them to experience firsthand how comfortable they are. “It has taken a lot of work, but we are delighted with the seats. Not only are they comfortable to sit in and look refined, but they are also easy to keep clean and include all the features that passengers should expect from a new generation of trains. As reported, total of 33 fivecoach Class 810 Aurora trains are being built by Hitachi at Newton Aycliffe, with work on the first trains now reaching an advanced stage. The bi-mode trains will be capable of operating on electric or diesel power, and when the order has been completed, they will replace EMR’S existing Class 180 and Class 222 fleets, which are expected to be cascaded to other operators.
The seating displays at Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield also provided visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the new trains ahead of their introduction. EMR said it has been working hard to ensure the interiors of the trains contain all the features expected of a modern railway service, including more connectivity, luggage space, and enhanced passenger information. The trains will also be fully air-conditioned and have free wi-fi.