The Big Regional refurb: First glimpse of £27.6 million EMR Connect plans
- First conceptual images of new multi-million refurbishment released
- Class 360 trains will receive extensive improvement
- Changes include new 2+2 seating arrangements, tables and more luggage space
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled the first conceptual images of the enhancements EMR Connect customers will benefit from following a £27.6 million investment.
EMR’s electric Class 360 fleet currently serves EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express routes between Corby and London St Pancras, with stops at Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton, and Luton Airport Parkway.
The released conceptual images showcase the planned upgrades, designed to enhance the commuting, leisure, and airport travel experience. These enhancements include new 2+2 seating arrangements throughout the trains, featuring a blend of airline-style and bay seats.
The refurbishment will also include better luggage storage space and an updated CCTV system.
EMR Connect includes the EMR Luton Airport Express service, which provides a convenient, fast, and environmentally friendly way to get to London Luton Airport (LLA).
A trip from central London to the London Luton Airport terminal takes as little as 32 minutes and costs from just £10 when using the Luton Airport Express and Luton DART. Services depart every 30 minutes, from early morning to late at night, Monday to Saturday, with regular services on Sundays.
Simon Pready, Commercial Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "We're excited to share these first conceptual images of the upgrades. The £27.6 million refurbishment of our Class 360 train will be transformative - offering customers more convenience, comfort, and better facilities.
"We are proud to contribute to a sustainable travel option that not only offers a quick and frequent service but also significantly enhances the overall travel experience. We are sure the improvement in luggage space will particularly benefit customers travelling to and from London Luton Airport."
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, commented: “The Luton Airport Express has been transformational for London Luton Airport, providing rail passengers with a fast, frequent, and convenient service that takes around 30 minutes from central London to our terminal doors.
"The investment in this refurbishment of the fleet will provide Luton Airport Express passengers with an enhanced travel experience thanks to increased comfort, upgraded facilities, and modernised technology, all of which will bolster the appeal of a service that is already making its mark as a hugely popular sustainable travel option for the airport.”
Sambit Banerjee, Siemens Mobility Joint CEO UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be upgrading the Class 360s to deliver enhancements both to the passenger environments and technology to transform the passenger journey.
"Our Siemens Mobility teams at our Northampton and Bedford facilities are excited about this investment in the fleet and are busy mobilising for this project. My thanks go out to the depot team’s dedication for their daily hard work in keeping these trains maintained, keeping passenger journeys comfortable and reliable.”