Passengers across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire are set to benefit from a significant upgrade to their journeys as East Midlands Railway (EMR) today unveiled the first of its fully refurbished Class 170 trains. The unveiling at Derby station marks the start of a £23 million programme to modernise EMR’s regional fleet.
The revamped train is the first of 44 Class 170 units to undergo a comprehensive overhaul. The upgrades are designed to significantly enhance the customer experience and include brand-new seating and tables, modern power and charging facilities (incorporating 230V, Type-C, and dual USB sockets), refurbished toilets, upgraded flooring, and a newly installed passenger information system.
The refurbished carriages also feature a dedicated bike storage area and redesigned interiors that mirror the sleek aesthetic of EMR’s new Aurora trains, which are scheduled to enter service later this year.
The Class 170 trains, owned by Porterbrook, a leading UK rolling stock financier, were previously operated by West Midlands Railway. This investment ensures a more comfortable, reliable, and connected travel experience for passengers across EMR’s extensive regional network.
The next refurbished train is expected to enter service next month, with a new unit joining the fleet each subsequent month. EMR’s Class 170 fleet serves vital regional routes connecting communities across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, including services from 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. The fleet is also frequently used on the Liverpool to Norwich route.
This £23 million investment in the Class 170 fleet is part of a larger £60 million programme that will also see the refurbishment of EMR’s Class 360 and Class 158 trains.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, emphasised the transformative nature of the refurbishment:
“This refurbishment is more than just a lick of paint – it’s a complete transformation that puts our customers first.
“We’ve focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it’s just the beginning. Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network.”
Ben Ackroyd, Porterbrook COO, highlighted the long-term benefits of the investment:
“Our investment in this Class 170 fleet ensures continued comfort, reliability, and performance to meet passengers’ evolving needs for years to come.
“It’s fantastic to welcome the first refurbished train back onto the network, and we’d like to thank our partners at EMR, Arriva Train Care, and all companies who have supported this significant milestone.”
Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, officially unveiled the train at the Derby station event, underscoring the positive impact on local communities:
“These upgraded trains will make a real difference to passengers, providing a more comfortable, reliable and accessible journey for the thousands of local people who rely on these services every day for work, school, or visiting loved ones.
“But what makes this even more special is that so much of the work has been designed right here in Derby. We’re proud of our rail heritage in this city and it’s great to see this legacy continued.”
Jonathan Davies MP, representing Mid Derbyshire, echoed the positive sentiments and the benefits for his constituents:
“Passengers travelling from Belper, Duffield, Spondon, and Derby will appreciate the overhaul of these trains.
“The refurbished trains have new seats and more comfortable tables and seats, modern plug sockets, more luggage space and enhanced facilities for disabled travellers.
“This will improve journeys for customers across our region and beyond.
“I am pleased East Midlands Railway is extending its refurbishment programme to the rest of its regional fleet, and this will be complemented with all-new intercity trains later this year.”
The interiors for the refurbishment project were designed by Derby-based DG Design, with the project supported by a network of regional suppliers located in areas such as Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Crewe. This highlights EMR’s commitment to investing in the local communities it serves and reinforces the importance of regional industry collaboration.
The unveiling in Derby, a city with a rich railway history and the future home of Great British Railways, underscores the significance of EMR’s investment at a time when Derby is poised to become a central hub for rail innovation in the UK.
