Transport UK and East Midlands Railway (EMR) have confirmed that the first Aurora train from EMR’s new £400 million fleet will enter service in December across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
The Hitachi Rail built fleet will improve the experience of customers travelling on the Midland Main Line, providing more seats, modern, spacious interiors, improved air conditioning, free WiFi, plug sockets at every seat and customer information screens.
The 33 bi-mode trains will take advantage of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, with the ability to run on electric overhead lines, cutting carbon emissions by 66 per cent.
Each Aurora will provide customers 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five carriage formation, compared to the Meridian trains it is replacing. Once the full fleet of 33 trains is in service, it will deliver a 46 per cent increase in the total number of seats available for customers travelling on the Midland Main Line.
Transport UK’s EMR business worked with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to develop a new seat for the trains, refining the FISA Lean seat to offer enhanced comfort and support. The seats include power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, seat-back tables for all seats and space to stow a cabin-bag under each seat.
The new Aurora fleet includes a Wi-Fi system that uses multiple sim cards to select the best available signal for customers. The trains feature specially designed glass to improve mobile signal reception.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “The introduction of our first Aurora train this December marks the start of a new phase for Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The Auroras have been designed with our customers in mind, with more seats, greater comfort, better connectivity and a smoother, quieter ride.”
Overall luggage capacity will increase by up to 136 per cent in onboard storage areas. The trains will feature warm, ambient LED lighting, and toilet availability will be shown on passenger information screens. All internal doors open automatically using sensors, which will benefit customers with mobility challenges. Entry and exit points have been improved with larger steps, brighter lighting, illuminated floors and ceilings, and strategically placed grab handles. The temperature of each carriage can be managed to maintain 22°C, and windows are fitted with grey-tinted glazing to reduce solar glare.
