East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train as part of a 23 million GBP programme to modernise its regional fleet.

The refurbished trains aim t0 deliver a more comfortable, connected and reliable travel experience for passengers across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

EMR unveils newly refurbished Class 170 train

© East Midlands Railway

The revamped train features brand-new seats and tables, upgraded flooring, refurbished toilets, and modern charging facilities — including 230V, Type-C, and dual USB sockets.

A new passenger information system and dedicated bike storage area have also been introduced, bringing the train’s interior design in line with EMR’s forthcoming Aurora intercity fleet.

New onboard power outlets

© East Midlands Railway

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway said:

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.

The upgrade is part of a wider 60 million GBP investment in EMR’s fleet, which includes planned refurbishments for the Class 158 and Class 360 fleets.

In total, 44 Class 170 trains — previously operated by West Midlands Railway and owned by Porterbrook — will be refurbished, with one new unit entering service each month following this launch.

The refurbished Class 170 trains are owned by the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company Porterbrook and were previously operated by West Midlands Railway

© East Midlands Railway

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said:

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.

The refurbishment project has involved numerous local suppliers and designers, including Derby-based DG Design,reinforcing EMR’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves.

The updated Class 170s will operate on key regional routes, including services connecting Matlock, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, Skegness, Cleethorpes, and Crewe — as well as the cross-country route from Liverpool to Norwich.

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