Chiltern Railways today (Tuesday 14 October) unveiled its newest Mark 5A trains, which are set to add 10,000 more seats across the network each weekday from December 2026. The 13 modern trains will serve London to West Midlands routes, including Aylesbury and Oxford, and are designed to replace the operator’s oldest carriages, some of which are nearly 50 years old. The fleet promises to significantly enhance the on-board experience for passengers.

The new trains will feature a range of customer-focused improvements, including enhanced Wi-Fi, plug sockets and USB ports at every seat, digital information screens, air conditioning, and improved luggage and bike storage. They also include dedicated areas for passengers with accessibility needs, fully accessible toilets, and better boarding and seating arrangements, ensuring a more comfortable journey for all travellers.

Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said: “We are thrilled for customers that we are replacing our oldest coaches with much newer trains, and as a result we plan to provide 10,000 more seats on our network every weekday from the end of 2026. The unveiling of the first of our newest trains at London Marylebone is a positive, tangible sign of better times ahead for customers. There are better on-board facilities and more services planned from the end of 2026, subject to the usual rail industry approval processes. We are making good progress with our vision and plan to modernise and decarbonise Chiltern; the next stage is to continue working with Network Rail and the Department of Transport on the business case to replace our 35-year old diesel trains with battery-electric trains.”

At the London Marylebone launch event, Rail Minister Lord Hendy toured the first new train with Richard Allan before it embarked on a journey to Birmingham Moor Street. Lord Hendy said: “These trains will give a fresh look and greater capacity for Chiltern’s passengers, giving better journeys while using cleaner fuel, and this investment reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a rail industry that Britain needs and deserves as part of its Plan for Change. Thanks to Government support, these trains will start to enter service from early next year, bringing easier, greener, and better journeys for millions of passengers.” Chiltern also confirmed plans to continue working with Network Rail on a business case for new battery-electric trains, which would replace its remaining diesel fleet from the early 2030s and help deliver the operator’s 2030 Vision of greener and better journeys.

Image: Chiltern Railways