East Midlands Railway refurbishes 25 trains in £60m fleet upgrade
Focus on fleet enhancement priorities
Last updated 17th Sep 2026
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has reached a critical stage in its £60 million programme to refurbish its Regional and EMR Connect fleets.
The refurbishment of 25 trains includes upgrades for 10 Class 158, 12 Class 170, and three Class 360 trains.
EMR’s renovation aims to create more practical and accessible rail services for its passengers.
The refurbishment of the Class 360 electric trains introduces modern interiors, including 2+2 seating with table bays, enhanced luggage facilities, power and USB points, improved passenger information systems, and better accessibility features.
These trains serve routes between Corby and London St Pancras International, including the Luton Airport Express.
EMR said it's Connect twice-hourly electric service offers environmentally friendly travel, achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel-based services.
In parallel, the £23 million overhaul of the Class 170 fleet encompasses reimagined interiors with updated seating, tables, power facilities, toilets, flooring, and passenger information systems.
Additionally, the Class 158 fleet is undergoing a £5 million refresh to extend train lifespan with improvements in seating, flooring, CCTV, branding, and paintwork.
Simon Pready, Commercial Director at East Midlands Railway, noted the progress achieved with the completion of 25 trains in the refurbishment programme, stressing the initiative’s focus on enhancing the comfort, functionality, and reliability of the fleet.
The refurbishment efforts will continue, promising ongoing improvements across the network.