First Aurora Train Enters Service on Midland Main Line

The first train from Transport UK and East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) new 400 million GBP Aurora fleet has officially entered service, taking its inaugural trip from Sheffield at 07:00 this morning.

Bound for London; the service gave customers their first experience of the new fleet, which were designed and developed by Hitachi Rail.

The fleet of 33 bi-mode trains have been designed with the ability to run on electric overhead lines, and will replace the operator’s previous fleet of Meridian trains.

Seating onboard each train has been expanded by 24%, with legroom also increased by more than 19% in a typical five-car configuration.

Once in service, the new fleet will increase the total number of seats across the board by 46% for passengers travelling along the Midland Main Line.

Customers now have access to an enhanced Wi-Fi system, power & USB points, coat hooks and space to stow a cabin-bag under each seat.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said:

Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras - marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network.

With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.