East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, has unveiled the first fully refurbished EMR Connect train. The milestone marks a major step in its £30 million investment to transform journeys between Corby and London St Pancras International.
The newly upgraded Class 360 train is the first of the EMR Connect fleet to return to service as part of the operator’s wider £60 million regional refurbishment programme, which is modernising trains across the East Midlands network.
Customers travelling on EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services experience a significantly enhanced onboard environment, designed to better meet the needs of commuters, leisure travellers and airport passengers.
The refurbished trains feature a completely redesigned interior, including new 2+2 seating throughout, combining airline-style seating and table bays to create a more spacious and comfortable experience.
Customers will also benefit from upgraded luggage facilities, power and USB charging points, improved passenger information systems, refreshed interiors and enhanced accessibility features. The first refurbished train will enter service next month.
EMR Connect operates twice-hourly electric services between Corby and London St Pancras International, calling at Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton and Luton Airport Parkway.
The service was introduced in 2021 as EMR’s first all-electric route, reducing carbon emissions by 77 per cent compared with previous diesel operations.
Further refurbished Class 360 units are expected to enter service over the coming months as the programme continues across the fleet.
Dominic Booth, CEO of Transport UK, said: “The unveiling of this first fully refurbished Class 360 train marks a key delivery milestone and demonstrates Transport UK’s unwavering commitment to our passengers. This is a perfect example of our delivery-first culture in action, driven by operational expertise.
“As part of our substantial £60 million regional refurbishment programme, it ensures comprehensive upgrades, delivering a higher quality journey for EMR passengers. Crucially, this commitment extends beyond today’s comfort: we are securing the long-term reliability of a modern electric fleet that has already achieved a 77 per cent reduction in carbon emissions on this route, serving the region responsibly and sustainably for years to come.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: “This investment will transform the experience for our customers, delivering trains that are more comfortable, more practical and better suited to modern travel.
“The refurbished fleet will provide a step-change for passengers using EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services and I look forward to hearing what customers think of it when the first enters service next month.
David Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Angel, said: “We’re pleased to see the first refurbished Class 360 train completed as part of this programme with East Midlands Railway.
“These upgrades will make a real difference to passengers travelling on the EMR Connect route, helping to deliver a more modern and comfortable onboard experience while ensuring these trains continue to serve communities across the region for years to come.
“Programmes like this demonstrate how targeted investment in refurbishment can transform the passenger experience, while supporting the long-term future of rail travel.
We’re proud to be supporting EMR in delivering this investment.”
Aglaja Schneider, Joint UK&I CEO, Siemens Mobility UK&I and Managing Director for Rolling Stock and Customer Services, said: “It’s great to see the first refurbished Class 360 completed. 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 teams in Northampton and Bedford have worked closely with East Midlands Railway and Angel Trains throughout, and the result is a train that looks and feels noticeably different for passengers. There’s more to come as the rest of the fleet moves through the programme, and we’re looking forward to completing more trains to ensure comfortable and reliable journeys in the region for the long term.”
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport (LLA), said: “London Luton Airport’s commitment to a simple, friendly journey extends to the moment people leave home. The addition of the Luton Airport Express has been transformative, linking Central London to the terminal in a little over 30 minutes via a seamless connection with the Luton DART.
“This multi million pound investment from EMR delivers a modern, comfortable on board experience for the growing number of passengers using the service, further strengthening rail as an attractive, more sustainable option for airport travel.”
Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of the Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) said: “Refurbishment of the electric Class 360’s to a level more consistent with their strategic role has been a key priority for the TfEM Board.
“We are delighted at the progress that EMR have now made, and look forward to the full roll-out of refurbished trains over the coming months”
Image credit: EMR
