Intercity seat refurbishment: More than 1,200 seats completed

East Midlands Railway's (EMR) £3 million project to completely replace the standard class seat covers and foam padding used in its current Intercity fleet is moving forward apace - with more than 1,200 seats refurbished so far.

The project, which will refurbish 5,214 standard-class seats and 243 tip-up seats, represents a significant investment in the Class 222-fleet and will benefit UK rail customers for years to come, even as the fleet eventually transitions to life after EMR with the arrival of the new Aurora trains.

The seats are being changed to a neutral grey color and are being refurbished during routine maintenance without the need to take any trains out of service.

EMR customers are already benefiting from the upgrade, as 25 units out of 27 have had some of their seats refurbished.

The seat refurbishment is also good news for the environment, as the old seat materials will be recycled, with the foam transformed into material for rubberized safety matting used in children’s play areas.

The project is a boost for Derby's local economy as two companies based in the city are working with EMR on the project - that being 4G Global, a foam manufacturer and seat assembly company based on Shaftesbury Street and seat installation experts, Yellow Rail, which is based on Riverside Court.

Ian Hyde, Fleet Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "Our multi-million seat refurbishment project is progressing well and the new seats coverings have been received very positively by our customers.

"It is hoped that all the seats of the fleet will be finished by early Spring, ready to take customers up and down the Midland Main Line in comfort as they enjoy all our network has to offer."