• EMR releases first conceptual images of Class 170 and Class 158 refurbishment
• £28.2 million project will provide more comfort and better facilities
• Work to be carried out by UK-based companies
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled the first conceptual images of the enhancements EMR Regional customers that use Class 170 and Class 158 trains will benefit from following a £28.2 million refurbishment.
The released images showcase the planned upgrades, designed to enhance the commuting and leisure experience.
EMR’s Class 170 fleet operates regional services across the East Midlands, including Matlock to Derby and Nottingham, Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield, Newark Castle to Crewe via Nottingham, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent, Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln, Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham, Cleethorpes to Leicester via Lincoln and Nottingham, and Cleethorpes to Barton-on-Humber. It is also frequently used on the Liverpool to Norwich route.
The trains have come to EMR from different operators and will be upgraded to provide a consistent customer experience across the fleet. All trains will receive new seat foams and covers, an extensive refresh, as well as new passenger information systems and CCTV.
EMR’s Class 158 fleet mainly operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester, and Sheffield. The trains will receive new seat covers and foams, an interior refresh, and CCTV. The images of what EMR customers can expect are below.
Simon Pready, Commercial Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re excited to share these conceptual images of the upgrades. The £28.2 million refurbishment of our Class 170 and Class 158 trains will be transformative—offering customers 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.”
Porterbrook COO Ben Ackroyd said, “Porterbrook is committed to enhancing our fleets to ensure they continue to meet passenger needs. This important investment in our Class 170s and 158s will provide a better on-board service for EMR’s customers, while supporting the UK’s supply chain which plays a vital role in the success of the railway.”
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail said, “We will continue to work in partnership with East Midlands Railways to deliver this upgrade of our Class 170 fleet and improve the travelling experience for EMR’s customers.”
David Jordan, COO for Angel Trains, said: “Our continued approach to investment and partnership working is delivering multiple benefits and enhanced experiences to those who travel by rail. The refurbishment of our East Midlands Railway’s Class 158 fleet is no exception, and we look forward to delivering this project to EMR and the resulting improvements for passengers.”
