Passengers travelling by train from Gedling borough are set to notice a big change on East Midlands Railway services after the operator completed a major milestone in its £60 million train upgrade programme.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has now refurbished 25 trains across its Regional and Connect fleets, with more still undergoing a transformation aimed at making journeys more comfortable, modern and accessible.
The improvements will be particularly welcome for passengers using Regional services through Nottinghamshire, including routes serving stations across Gedling borough and the wider East Midlands.
So far, EMR has completed work on 10 Class 158 trains, 12 Class 170 trains and three Class 360 electric trains.
The Class 170 trains, commonly seen on regional routes across the East Midlands, have been given a major overhaul as part of a £23 million investment. The upgraded trains now feature refreshed interiors, improved seating and tables, USB charging points, plug sockets, refurbished toilets, new flooring and upgraded passenger information screens designed to provide clearer journey updates.
Dedicated cycle storage areas have also been introduced, alongside redesigned interiors which bring the fleet in line with the railway’s newer-look trains.
Meanwhile, EMR’s Class 158 trains have received a £5 million refresh, including new seat covers, upgraded table tops, improved CCTV systems, refreshed flooring and updated passenger information technology.
The operator says the work is designed to extend the life of the trains while delivering a better experience for passengers making everyday journeys across the region.
Away from Nottinghamshire, EMR has also completed the first three refurbished Class 360 trains used on services between Corby and London St Pancras, as well as on the Luton Airport Express route.
The electric trains now feature new seating, power and USB charging facilities, upgraded luggage storage, improved accessibility features and a redesigned interior intended to create a more spacious feel.
Simon Pready, Commercial Director at EMR, said: “Reaching 25 completed trains is an important milestone for our Regional and Connect refurbishment programme and represents a significant amount of work delivered for our customers.
“These upgrades are about much more than refreshed interiors. They are about making journeys more comfortable, practical and accessible, while improving information and supporting the long-term reliability of our fleet.
“There is still more to come, with further trains currently being refurbished. We are proud of the progress made so far and look forward to continuing to deliver improvements for our customers across the network.”
The refurbishment programme is continuing across the fleet, meaning more passengers travelling in and out of Nottinghamshire can expect upgraded trains in the months ahead.
