UK: EMR Unveils First Refurbished Class 158 Train
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has revealed the new look of its first refurbished Class 158 train.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has revealed the new look of its first refurbished Class 158 train.
The train’s introduction marks a milestone in EMR’s 60 million GBP plan to improve its regional fleet and deliver modern on-board experiences for passengers across the East Midlands on its .
The Class 158 fleet, which contains 26 trains leased from Angel Trains and Porterbrook, mainly operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield, and will receive a total 5.2 million GBP interior refresh with new seat foams and covers, tabletops, carpets and vestibule flooring.
Each unit will also be fitted with upgraded passenger information systems, as well as new CCTV and forward-facing camera systems with remote download capabilities in an effort to enhance both safety and security.
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.
The fleet will also be repainted in EMR livery, with the upgrade programme scheduled to be completed by June 2026. Work on the units is being carried out at Arriva TrainCare in Bristol for Angel Trains units and EMR’s Eastcroft Depot, Nottingham, for Porterbrook units.
David Jordan, COO at Angel Trains, said:
Our continued approach to investment and partnership working is delivering real benefits and enhanced experiences for those who travel by rail.
We’re proud to support East Midlands Railway in delivering this upgrade to the Class 158 fleet and the improvements it brings to customers across the region.
