Major UK railway gets £23m upgrade as 9 cities get 'more comfortable' trains

A major UK network is in for a £23million upgrade as nine cities get more "comfortable and modern" . East Midlands Railway (EMR) announced this week that its first Class 170 train, to be refurbished as part of the investment, will be on its network "very soon". The operator said: "The refurbishment programme will deliver a more comfortable, contemporary, and consistent experience for regional rail customers across EMR's network."

EMR's Class 170 fleet operates regional services across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, including Matlock to and Nottingham, Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield, Newark Castle to Crewe via Nottingham, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent, Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln, Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham, Cleethorpes to Leicester via Lincoln and Nottingham, and Cleethorpes to Barton-on-Humber. The stock is also frequently used on the Liverpool to Norwich route.

Officials say trains have come to EMR from different operators, and are to be upgraded to provide a "consistent customer experience" across the fleet.

As part of the refurbishment programme, all trains will receive new seat foams and covers, an "extensive refresh" and a new passenger information system and CCTV.

EMR has kicked off a £60 million programme to refurbish it's Class 158s and Class 170 trains on the regional route as part of a "huge regional refurb".

Bosses said: "Together with the refurbishment of Class 360 on the Connect route and the introduction of the new Aurora Intercity trains, this will mean that all of EMR's trains will either be replaced with new trains or refurbished."

Simon Pready, commercial director for East Midlands Railway, said in July when the first concept art for the upgrade was released: "We're excited to share these conceptual images of the upgrades. The £28.2 million 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."