en.Wedoany.com Reported - East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled the first fully refurbished Class 360 train as part of its £30 million plan to transform the passenger experience on the EMR Connect service between Corby and London St Pancras International.
This latest refurbished train is the first in the EMR Connect fleet to undergo upgrades, and is part of a wider £60 million investment programme focused on improving regional services across the East Midlands railway network. Passengers using EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services will experience a significantly enhanced onboard environment, with improvements designed to meet the needs of commuters, leisure travellers, and airport passengers.
The refurbished Class 360 train introduces a completely redesigned interior layout, featuring a new 2+2 seating arrangement that combines aircraft-style seats and table areas, creating a more spacious and comfortable environment for passengers. The refurbishment plan also includes upgraded luggage storage facilities to help travellers make better use of onboard space, particularly those travelling to and from the airport. Other improvements include power sockets and USB charging ports next to seats, enhanced passenger information systems, refreshed interiors, and a range of accessibility upgrades aimed at improving the travel experience for all passengers.
The first refurbished train is expected to enter passenger service next month, with more trains to follow in the coming months as the refurbishment of the entire fleet continues. EMR Connect currently operates a half-hourly electric service between Corby and London St Pancras International, calling at Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton, and Luton Airport Parkway. Since its launch in 2021, the route has become EMR's first fully electrified operation, reducing carbon emissions by 77% compared to the diesel services it replaced.
Dominic Booth, CEO of Transport UK, said the unveiling of the first fully refurbished Class 360 train marks a key delivery milestone and demonstrates Transport UK's consistent commitment to passengers. He added that as part of the £60 million regional refurbishment programme, this upgrade ensures comprehensive improvements, providing EMR passengers with a higher quality journey. Will Rogers, Managing Director of EMR, said the investment will transform the passenger experience, offering trains that are more comfortable, more practical, and better suited to modern travel. The refurbished fleet will bring a qualitative leap for passengers using EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services, and he looks forward to hearing feedback from passengers once the first train enters service next month.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with rolling stock owner Angel Trains and Siemens Mobility, which has carried out the refurbishment work through its facilities in Northampton and Bedford. David Jordan, Chief Operating Officer of Angel, said these upgrades will truly improve the passenger experience on the EMR Connect route, helping to provide a more modern and comfortable onboard environment while ensuring these trains continue to serve communities in the region for years to come. Aglaja Schneider, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK&I and Managing Director of Rolling Stock and Customer Service, said it is great to see the first refurbished Class 360 train completed, and the team is honoured to upgrade the Class 360 to improve the passenger environment and technology, thereby transforming the passenger journey. This investment has also been welcomed by London Luton Airport and Transport for the East Midlands, both of which highlighted the role of upgraded trains in supporting sustainable transport and improving regional connectivity.
With more refurbished trains set to enter service during the year, EMR expects the programme to deliver a consistent and modern travel experience across the entire Class 360 fleet.
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