Rail operator reveals next chapter in £60m fleet upgrades

East Midlands Railway has unveiled its first refurbished Class 158 train marking the next major milestone in its £60 million project to improve its regional fleet.

The train operator said the project will deliver a cleaner, more modern on-board experience and ensure the trains continue to provide a reliable and comfortable service for years to come.

The Class 158 fleet, which mainly operates on EMR’s Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield, will see a £5.2 million interior refresh, including new seat foams and covers using high-durability EMR-branded fabrics, new table tops, carpets, vestibule flooring and a deep clean of all passenger areas.

The trains will feature updated branding and labelling, along with newly painted exteriors, creating a consistent and refreshed visual identity across the fleet.

System upgrades are also central to the project. All Class 158 units will be fitted with new CCTV and forward-facing camera systems, with remote download capabilities to enhance safety and security.

All units will benefit from upgraded on-board Passenger Information Systems to ensure more accurate real-time updates – helping customers better understand their journey options.

This refurbishment comes as part of EMR’s wider £60 million investment into its Regional fleet and Connect, which includes wide ranging improvements to its Class 360 and Class 170 trains.

Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, said: “This investment will breathe new life into our Class 158 fleet, significantly improving comfort, safety and the overall travel experience for customers across our regional network.

“It’s a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of our trains and delivering better journeys for all.

“Although these trains are getting closer to the end of their service life, investing in them was absolutely the right decision.

“The results of this refresh are impressive, and I’m confident customers will notice the thoughtful upgrades and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable journey as a result.”