Chiltern Railways has taken a major step forward in modernising its network with the introduction of the first of its “Chiltern Explorer” trains into passenger services in the West Midlands.
The launch marks a significant investment in rail travel for customers in the West Midlands and on the route to London, delivering improved capacity, comfort, and accessibility.
From December 2026, the new fleet is expected to provide 10,000 additional seats every weekday, supporting rising demand for rail travel and helping to strengthen regional connectivity between the West Midlands, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and London.
Thirteen new trains make up the Chiltern Explorer fleet, a name chosen directly by customers through a series of focus groups and a shortlist process. Chiltern Railways sought a name that conveyed movement, excitement, and distinctiveness – and “Chiltern Explorers” emerged as the clear favourite.
The name will feature across the network, including on‑board announcements, station displays, and train branding, helping customers easily identify the new fleet as it rolls out during 2026.
A series of celebratory events took place on Tuesday 27th January at Birmingham Moor Street and at stations along the line to London Marylebone, where customers were welcomed with music, giveaways, and the opportunity to see the new train up close.
These events brought together local leaders, businesses, and passengers to mark the start of a new era for rail services on the route.
The first Chiltern Explorer service officially entered passenger operation on Monday 26 January, with the remaining trains scheduled for phased introduction throughout 2026.
Designed with modern rail travel in mind, the new Explorer trains include:
- Plug sockets and USB ports at every seat
- Air conditioning for improved comfort
- Digital passenger information screens
- Better luggage and bike storage
- A dedicated First‑Class section
Crucially, the fleet includes substantial improvements for customers with accessibility needs. Features include:
- Fully accessible toilets
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users
- Better boarding arrangements
- More accessible seating layouts
These changes support Chiltern Railways’ aim of delivering comfortable, dependable travel for all passengers.
Chiltern Railways’ Managing Director, Richard Allan, commented:
"I am thrilled that following months of intensive preparation we are able to operate the first of our 13 newer trains on services between the West Midlands and London Marylebone, delivering a much better experience for customers.
"We will have all of the new trains available for service from December 2026, when all the necessary colleague training and train preparations have been completed.
"That will allow Chiltern to operate more services for customers, offering services every 30 minutes between the West Midlands and London every weekday. Some further internal changes to how current trains are used mean that in total there will be 10,000 more seats for customers across the entire Chiltern route every weekday from December. There will be more services at weekends, with further details to be announced nearer to December."
The Explorers will replace four sets of British Rail‑built coaches, hauled by locomotives, which have served passengers for almost half a century. These older train sets will leave the Chiltern fleet by the end of March, marking a significant transition to a modernised, customer‑focused service.
As the new fleet continues to roll out across 2026, Chiltern Railways expects the Explorers to play a central role in supporting regional economic growth, improving daily commutes, and enhancing connectivity to major employers, education hubs, and leisure destinations across the Midlands and South East.
Image credit: Chiltern Railways
