Next chapter of EMR's £60 million big regional refurb begins as first revamped Class 158 enters service

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled its first refurbished Class 158 train marking the next major milestone in its £60 million project to improve its regional fleet. 

The project will deliver a cleaner, more modern on-board experience and ensure the trains continue to provide a reliable and comfortable service for years to come.

The Class 158 fleet, which mainly operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield, will see a £5.2 million interior refresh, including new seat foams and covers using high-durability EMR-branded fabrics, new tabletops, carpets, vestibule flooring, and a deep clean of all passenger areas.

The trains will feature updated branding and labelling, along with newly painted exteriors, creating a consistent and refreshed visual identity across the fleet.

System upgrades are also central to the project. All Class 158 units will be fitted with new CCTV and forward-facing camera systems, with remote download capabilities to enhance safety and security.

All units will benefit from upgraded on-board Passenger Information Systems to ensure more accurate real-time updates - helping customers better understand their journey options. 

This refurbishment comes as part of EMR’s wider £60 million investment into its Regional fleet and Connect, which includes wide ranging improvements to its Class 360 and Class 170 trains.  

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, which includes 26 trains leased from Angel Trains and Porterbrook, will also be repainted in EMR’s signature livery, matching the updated interiors with a modern exterior finish.

The entire programme is scheduled to be completed by June 2026, with work taking place 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.”

Porterbrook COO Ben Ackroyd: “Hearing the positive feedback from EMR passengers travelling on our refurbished Class 170 highlights the real impact this modernisation programme is having on people’s journeys.

"By also refreshing the Class 158s, we’re making sure our trains continue to provide comfortable, reliable, and safe journeys now and into the future.”

Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see residents and visitors to Nottingham getting an improved experience on the refurbished trains. Some of the works to improve the Class 158 fleet has been carried out in Nottingham, supporting local jobs and the economy too."

Andy Sykes, Director, Andy Sykes Design, said: “The interior and exterior design for the Class 158 fleet is based on the brand design vision developed for EMR’s new-build Aurora trains by dgdesign during my time there.

"Now, through Andy Sykes Design, it’s been a pleasure to support EMR in finalising and productionising that vision to deliver a consistent design language across the entire fleet.

"The interior reflects a calmer, more refined aesthetic – more akin to high-end commercial or domestic spaces than traditional rolling stock – yet remains entirely practical and hardwearing. It feels like stepping into a new train.

"With a consistent design approach now seen across the Class 170 and Class 158 fleets – and with the Class 360 and new Aurora trains to follow – the goal for passengers is simple: regardless of which type of train they’re on, or where their journey takes them, travelling with EMR should feel consistently excellent.”