EMR Marks Milestone as 10 Refurbished Trains Return to Service

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has completed the refurbishment of 10 trains as part of its £60M regional fleet transformation programme.

The operator, which is run by Transport UK, confirmed that seven Class 170 and three Class 158 trains have now been fully modernised and returned to service across the network.

The milestone forms part of EMR’s longer-term plan to improve reliability and passenger comfort while delivering practical, sustainable upgrades across its regional and connect fleet. Further trains are currently undergoing refurbishment as the programme gathers pace.

The Class 170 upgrade, which represents a £23M overhaul of EMR’s 44-strong fleet, includes redesigned interiors with new and refurbished seating and tables, upgraded flooring, refurbished toilets, and enhanced passenger information systems. Modern power and charging facilities, including plug sockets and USB points, have also been installed to improve the onboard experience.

The refurbished trains are now operating on key routes linking Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Liverpool, supporting improved comfort and reliability for thousands of daily passengers.

Meanwhile, EMR’s Class 360 fleet, which operates the EMR Connect service, is also being refurbished. The first upgraded unit is expected to enter service later this year.

Simon Pready, Commercial Director at EMR, described the return of the 10 trains as an “important milestone” and said the programme reflects a “disciplined, delivery-focused approach” to fleet modernisation.

“These upgrades are not just about new interiors – they are about delivering better outcomes for our customers, with more comfortable, accessible and reliable journeys,” he said.

Further refurbished trains are expected to re-enter service over the coming months as the programme continues.