East Midlands Railway Unveils First Wave of Refurbished Class 170 and 158 Trains

East Midlands Railway has reached a key milestone in its fleet refurbishment programme, with ten modernised trains now back in service across its regional network.

The achievement forms part of a £60 million investment by EMR and its parent company Transport UK to upgrade regional and connect services. So far, seven Class 170 trains and three Class 158 trains have completed refurbishment and returned to operation, with more units currently undergoing work.

The programme is designed to deliver practical improvements for passengers while maintaining reliable services across the network. EMR says the upgrades represent a long-term commitment to improving the customer experience while extending the life of existing rolling stock.

The refurbished Class 170 units are part of a £23 million overhaul of the operator’s 44-strong fleet. The trains have been fitted with redesigned interiors featuring a mix of brand-new and refurbished seating and tables. Passengers will also benefit from power sockets and USB charging points, upgraded flooring, refurbished toilets and a new passenger information system designed to provide clearer journey updates.

The refurbishment work also includes dedicated bike storage areas and interior styling that aligns with EMR’s wider fleet design, helping create a more consistent experience for passengers across the network.

Alongside the Class 170 upgrades, EMR’s Class 158 fleet is receiving a £5 million refresh aimed at extending the trains’ operational life and improving onboard facilities. The work includes new seat foams and covers, replacement tabletops, updated carpets and vestibule flooring, as well as improved CCTV and passenger information systems. The trains are also receiving refreshed branding and exterior repainting.

Many of the refurbished trains are already operating on key regional routes across the East Midlands and beyond, including services linking Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Liverpool.

Meanwhile, the operator’s Class 360 fleet, which runs the EMR Connect service, is also undergoing refurbishment. The first upgraded unit is expected to enter service later this year as part of the wider fleet improvement programme.

Simon Pready, Commercial Director at East Midlands Railway, said:

“This is an important milestone for our regional and connect refurbishment programme. Seeing ten refurbished trains now back in service reflects the disciplined, delivery-focused approach Transport UK is taking to modernising our fleet. These upgrades are not just about new interiors - they are about delivering better outcomes for our customers, with more comfortable, accessible and reliable journeys. With many more trains currently being upgraded, customers will continue to see further improvements across our network in the months ahead.”

Image: East Midlands Railway