EMR plans £60m upgrading project for its Regional and Connect train fleets ...
EAST MIDLANDS Railway is to refurbish the trains used on its Regional and Connect services in a major £60 million project to bring its Class 158 and 170 diesel multiple units and Class 360 electric multiple units up to modern standards.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains, Siemens, Porterbrook and Eversholt and will transform the three train fleets, many of which have not been refurbished for a number of years, having been cascaded to EMR from other operators.
Although EMR is currently working on a project to refurbish the standard class seats on the Class 222 Meridian trains used on its long-distance Intercity services, these trains are due to be replaced over the coming months with a brand-new fleet of Class 810 Aurora bi-mode trains currently being built by Hitachi at Newton Aycliffe. EMR says that by the time the refurbishment of its Regional and Connect trains is complete, its entire fleet will either be new or refurbished to a high standard.
The Class 158s will receive new foam padding and seat covers, an interior refresh, and CCTV. The original intention was that the Class 158s operated by EMR would move to other operators, but a number are now being retained. It is expected these will receive EMR’S aubergine livery, with the trains currently finished either in an interim white, grey and aubergine colour scheme, or still carr ying the now obsolete livery of former operator East Midlands Trains.
The Class 170s, which mainly operate regional services across the East Midlands, will be upgraded to provide a consistent passenger experience. All will receive new seat foam and covers, along with an extensive refresh, new passenger information systems, and CCTV.
The Class 360s, which are used on its EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services, will be upgraded to provide facilities for commuter, leisure and airport passengers, including a new two-by-two seating configuration throughout in a mixture of airline style and bay seats, luggage racks, charging points, and new passenger information systems. EMR managing director Will Rogers said: “This multi-million-pound investment into our Connect and Regional fleets is fantastic news for our customers and the regions we serve.
“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.”
Chair of Transport for the East Midlands and City Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “The refurbishment of EMR’S regional and commuter services has been a Transport for East Midlands priority for some time, so we are delighted that this investment is now going ahead. “The refurbishments to these trains, with improved interiors and critical technology modernisation, will benefit all East Midlands rail communities and further strengthen the appeal of rail as a travel option.”