First look at EMR's carriage refurbishment plans

A train operator has given passengers a first glimpse of its new-look interiors.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) released computer-generated images of what its rolling stock will look like after the changes are completed in a £28.2m upgrade.

Carriages are being refurbished in EMR's regional Class 170 fleet, which includes Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Newark, and Worksop services, and on its Class 158 Liverpool to Norwich route.

The carriages were previously used by other operators, and the new refurbishments will bring them together under EMR's branding.

It will mean new seat foams and covers, passenger information systems and CCTV.

Simon Pready, EMR commercial director, said: "We're excited to share these conceptual images of the upgrades.

“The £28.2m refurbishment of our Class 170 and Class 158 trains will be transformative - offering customers more convenience, comfort, and better facilities.

"It is also great news for the country's rail industry, with all the work being carried out by UK companies."

The refurbishments will be carried out by firms based in Derby and London.

These include Pride Park-based Porterbrook, London firm Eversholt Rail, and Angel Trains, which has bases in both Derby and London.

Angel Trains’ chief operating officer, David Jordan, said: “Our continued approach to investment and partnership working is delivering multiple benefits and enhanced experiences to those who travel by rail.

“The refurbishment of our EMR’s Class 158 fleet is no exception, and we look forward to delivering this project to EMR and the resulting improvements for passengers.”

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