Chiltern Railways has introduced the first of its newest trains into service for customers travelling to and from the West Midlands. This major investment and key milestone is set to deliver 10,000 additional seats for customers each weekday from December 2026.
The trains, now running between London and the West Midlands via Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, will transform journeys for customers travelling along the route, supporting regional growth and strengthening connections to major employers and leisure destinations across the region.
The 13 trains have been named “Chiltern Explorers” – a new name for the fleet which was chosen by customers from a shortlist. The operator wanted a name that conveyed movement, excitement and would be easily recognisable, and this was the standout choice from a series of customer focus groups. The new name will be used on-board trains, in announcements, and at stations to make clear what type of train customers are using.
A celebratory event took place on Tuesday 27 January at Birmingham Moor Street and at stations along the route to London Marylebone. Customers were greeted at stations with goody bags and music performances to commemorate the train’s introduction into service. The series of events brought together regional leaders, businesses, and customers to experience how the trains will improve rail services to and from the West Midlands.
The Explorer trains feature plug sockets and USB ports at every seat, digital customer information screens, air conditioning, improved luggage, bike storage, and First-Class travel. Crucially, the trains deliver significant improvements for customers with accessibility needs, with dedicated areas including fully accessible toilets and better boarding and seating arrangements, delivering comfortable travel for all customers travelling on them.
The Explorer trains are replacing four train sets formed of British Rail-built coaches, which will leave Chiltern by the end of March. The train sets, hauled by locomotives, have served customers for nearly 50 years.
Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “I am thrilled that following months of intensive preparation we are able to operate the first of our 13 newer trains on services between the West Midlands and London Marylebone, delivering a much better experience for customers.
“We will have all of the new trains available for service from December 2026, when all the necessary colleague training and train preparations have been completed.
“That will allow Chiltern to operate more services for customers, offering services every 30 minutes between the West Midlands and London every weekday. Some further internal changes to how current trains are used mean that in total there will be 10,000 more seats for customers across the entire Chiltern route every weekday from December. There will be more services at weekends, with further details to be announced nearer to December.”
Laura Shoaf CBE, chair of Shadow Great British Railways, said: “The arrival of the first Chiltern Explorer is a major milestone in delivering a more modern, accessible and reliable railway.
“These new trains will transform journeys for customers from the West Midlands through to London, strengthening connections for work, leisure and the region’s growing economy.
“They also demonstrate the kind of long‑term, customer‑focused investment we are working to embed by building a simpler, more joined‑up rail system that delivers for communities.
“Crucially, the fleet’s improved efficiency and design support our wider sustainability goals, helping create a greener railway for the future.”
The first Chiltern Explorer train was introduced into passenger service for Chiltern Railways’ customers on Monday 26 January. The remaining trains will be introduced at different stages through 2026.
Image credit: Chiltern Railways
