A major milestone in UK rail modernisation is set to unfold this December, as East Midlands Railway (EMR), in partnership with Transport UK, launches the first of its new Aurora trains into passenger service. The £400 million fleet, built by Hitachi Rail, marks a significant investment in the future of Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
The introduction of Aurora is more than a fleet upgrade—it’s a strategic leap forward in customer experience, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. Designed to complement the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, the 33 bi-mode trains will harness electric overhead lines where available, cutting carbon emissions by 66% and delivering quieter, greener journeys.
EMR’s Aurora trains are engineered with passengers in mind. Each five-carriage formation offers 24% more seats and over 19% more legroom compared to the outgoing Meridian fleet. Once the full fleet is operational, seating capacity across the Midland Main Line will increase by 46%, easing congestion and improving comfort.
The interiors reflect a modern, spacious design ethos, with improved air conditioning, clear customer information screens, and plug sockets at every seat. Free, class-leading Wi-Fi—powered by a multi-SIM system—ensures robust connectivity, while specially designed glass enhances mobile signal strength onboard.
In a nod to regional collaboration, EMR worked closely with Derby-based DG DESIGN to develop a bespoke seating solution. The refined FISA Lean seat offers enhanced comfort and support, while integrating practical features such as USB ports, coat hooks, generous legroom, and under-seat storage for cabin bags.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, 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.”
For rail professionals, Aurora represents a blueprint for future fleet procurement—balancing passenger needs, sustainability goals, and regional economic development. The project showcases how targeted investment and cross-sector collaboration can deliver tangible improvements in service quality and operational resilience.
As the first Aurora prepares to roll out, the industry will be watching closely—not just for performance metrics, but for how this new chapter in Intercity travel reshapes expectations across the network.
Image credits: East Midlands Railway
