A new dawn breaks as Transport UK and EMR confirms first Aurora train will enter service this December
- Transport UK and EMR confirm first Aurora from new £400 million fleet will begin running this December
- New trains provide more seats, modern, spacious interiors and enhanced accessibility features
- The state-of-the-art Hitachi Rail built fleet will transform the experience of customers as they travel on the Midland Main Line
An exciting new chapter of Intercity travel will begin this December. Transport UK and East Midlands Railway (EMR) can confirm that the first Aurora train from EMR’s new £400 million fleet will enter service across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
The state-of-the-art Hitachi Rail built fleet will transform the experience of customers as they travel on the Midland Main Line - providing more seats, modern, spacious interiors, improved air conditioning, free class leading WiFi, plug sockets at every seat and clear customer information screens.
The 33 train bi-mode trains will take advantage of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, with the ability to run on electric overhead lines - dramatically cutting carbon emissions by 66 per cent, meaning quieter and greener journeys too.
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 substantial 46 per cent increase in the total number of seats available for customers travelling on the Midland Main Line.
Transport UK’s EMR business went to great lengths to source and adapt a brand-new seat for the new trains. Working closely with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN, it has taken the proven product of a FISA Lean seat and refined it to offer enhanced comfort and support for customers.
At the same time, it has ensured the seats include all the practical and technological features including power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables for all seats and space to stow a cabin-bag under each seat.
The new Aurora fleet includes a new class-leading Wi-Fi system that uses multiple sim cards to select the best possible signal for customers. Furthermore, thanks to specially designed glass, customers will enjoy stronger mobile signal.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway said: “The introduction of our first Aurora train this December marks the start of a new era for Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
“Our Auroras have been designed with our customers at their heart; with more seats, greater comfort, better connectivity and a smoother, quieter ride.
“We and our colleagues at Transport UK are delighted to be delivering a railway that our customers, communities and our employees can truly take pride in.”
ENDS
Contact Information
East Midlands Railway Press Office
Notes to editors
About East Midlands Railway
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is operated by Transport UK and operates high speed Intercity and Regional services linking the towns and cities of South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and London.
Additional information:
- Overall luggage capacity will increase by up to 136 per cent (by cubic metres) in onboard storage areas, accommodating more bags without compromising customer space.
- Customers will benefit from the warm, ambient LED lighting fitted to the trains.
- The availability of each toilet is clearly shown on the Passenger Information Screens. The Universal Accessible Toilet (UAT) also includes an assistant mode.
- All internal doors open automatically using sensors, enhancing movement throughout the train. This feature especially benefits customers with mobility challenges, as well as those assisting dependants.
- Entry and exit points have also been improved, featuring larger steps, brighter lighting at entrances, illuminated floors and ceilings, and strategically placed grab handles to support safe and comfortable boarding and alighting.
- The temperature of each train carriage can be carefully managed too, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature of 22°C.
- Windows are fitted with grey-tinted glazing to reduce solar glare, enhancing passenger comfort and First-Class customers will also benefit from adjustable sun blinds.