The first of a fleet of 33 Hitachi-built bi-mode trains which will replace the Class 222 Meridians is set to enter service next month on the Midland Main Line.

The Class 810 ‘Aurora’ units will be able to make use of the electrified sections north of Bedford, although full electrification of the Midland Main Line to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield has been paused once again.

East Midlands Railway said its new £400 million fleet will offer 24 per cent more seats, which will be more comfortable and have 19 per cent more legroom. The trains will also offer free WiFi and improved air conditioning.

The seats were designed for EMR by Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN, which has used the existing FISA ‘Lean’ seat and refined it, according to East Midlands Railway.

EMR managing director Will Rogers said: ‘The introduction of our first Aurora train this December marks the start of a new era for Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

‘Our Auroras have been designed with our customers at their heart, with more seats, greater comfort, better connectivity and a smoother, quieter ride.

‘We and our colleagues at Transport UK are delighted to be delivering a railway that our customers, communities and our employees can truly take pride in.’

The trains will be leased from a consortium led by Rock Rail.

East Midlands Railway is currently run by Transport UK, but is set to be renationalised in or after October 2026.

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