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East Midlands Railway (EMR) has introduced the first overhauled Class 170 diesel multiple-unit into passenger service, marking the opening stage of a £23 million programme designed to extend the working life and elevate the on-board experience of the 26-strong fleet.
Comprehensive interior upgrade
Each car has been stripped back to the bodyshell and refitted with:
- high-back seats with fold-out tables
- 230 V, USB-A and USB-C charging points at every seating bay
- fully refurbished universal-access toilets
- hard-wearing slip-resistant flooring
- a modernised passenger-information system displaying real-time connection and service data
A dedicated cycle area has been added, and the new interior trim mirrors the colour palette and surface finishes chosen for EMR’s forthcoming bi-mode Aurora fleet.
Customer response
The launch unit entered service on the Derwent Valley line between Nottingham and Derby in mid-April. Early passenger feedback has been strongly positive, with travellers praising the improved seating comfort, availability of power outlets and clearer information screens.
Network coverage
Once the programme is completed, refurbished Class 170s will operate on the following EMR regional corridors:
- Matlock – Derby – Nottingham
- Nottingham – Worksop (Robin Hood Line)
- Newark Castle – Crewe via Derby and Stoke-on-Trent
- Peterborough – Lincoln – Doncaster
- Nottingham – Skegness (Poacher Line)
- Cleethorpes – Leicester via Lincoln and Nottingham
- Cleethorpes – Barton-on-Humber
- Liverpool – Norwich inter-regional service (additional capacity as required)
Part of a wider £60 million investment
The Class 170 work forms one element of EMR’s broader £60 million rolling-stock strategy, which also encompasses interior refurbishments for the electric Class 360 fleet operating on the Midland Main Line and the diesel Class 158 sets used on regional links across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Management perspective
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director, said the programme “puts customer comfort and experience front and centre”, adding that more refurbished trains will enter service throughout 2025, “setting a new standard for rail travel with EMR”.
Delivery schedule
Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane facility is undertaking the interior work, with a throughput rate of two units per month. Full fleet completion is scheduled for Q2 2026, aligning with the phased introduction of the Aurora bi-modes on inter-city duties.
