The first Aurora train from East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) new £400 million fleet will enter service in December, Transport UK and EMR announced.
EMR has said that each Aurora will include 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five carriage formation when compared to the Meridian trains it is replacing.
The Hitachi Rail-built fleet will also include improved air conditioning, free WiFi, plug sockets at every seat and clear customer information screens.
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EMR called the free Wi-Fi available on the Aurora “class-leading”. The system uses multiple sim cards to select the best possible signal for customers, while specially designed glass allows for stronger mobile signal.
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 – cutting carbon emissions by 66 per cent.
Once all 33 trains are in service, there will have been a 46 per cent increase in the total number of seats available on the Midland Main Line.
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.”
