This week signals a major milestone for rail travel in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as Transport UK and East Midlands Railway (EMR) introduced the first train from their brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet into passenger service.
The inaugural Aurora service departed Sheffield for London, offering customers their first experience of the significant improvements in comfort, reliability, and performance that the new Hitachi Rail trains bring to the network.
The 33 bi-mode trains are designed to maximise the benefits of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade. With the ability to run on electric overhead lines, they will cut carbon emissions by an impressive 66%, delivering quieter, greener journeys for customers and communities alike.
Capacity and comfort are at the heart of the Aurora design. Each five-carriage formation provides 24% more seats and over 19% more legroom compared to the Meridian trains they replace. Once the full fleet is operational, customers will benefit from a 46% increase in total seating capacity across the Midland Main Line.
EMR has gone to great lengths to ensure passenger comfort. Working with Derby-based DG DESIGN, the team adapted the proven FISA Lean seat to create a bespoke solution offering enhanced support. Practical features include power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables, and space for cabin bags under each seat.
Connectivity has also been prioritised. The Aurora fleet boasts an advanced Wi-Fi system using multiple SIM cards to select the strongest signal, while specially engineered glass improves mobile reception throughout the journey.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said:
"Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras - marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network.
With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide."
Image and video credit: East Midlands Railway
