The first of East Midlands Railway’s £400 million Aurora trains will enter service this December, marking a key stage in the modernisation of intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Built by Hitachi Rail, the 33 bi-mode trains form part of the wider £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade. They are designed to operate using both electric and diesel power, cutting carbon emissions by around two-thirds compared with existing models.
Each train features increased seating capacity, upgraded interiors, and improved accessibility. The new fleet also includes modern amenities such as enhanced air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, charging sockets at every seat, and advanced information screens.
The Aurora’s design incorporates specially coated glass to boost mobile signal reception and a multi-SIM Wi-Fi system to provide more consistent connectivity for passengers.
The rollout of the new fleet supports Transport UK’s and East Midlands Railway’s broader goal to deliver more efficient, lower-emission travel across the region’s intercity routes, aligning with national efforts to decarbonise the rail network.
