East Midlands Railway will roll out its £400m Aurora fleet in December, so passengers get more seats and legroom, stronger Wi-Fi, and quieter rides on the upgraded Midland Main Line.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In April 2025, East Midlands Railway (EMR) launched its first upgraded Series 170 diesel train. The modernization of 44 trains in this series includes several significant improvements.
Photo: EMR

East Midlands Railway: capacity, comfort and connectivity

EMR says each five-car set adds 24% more seats and about 19% more legroom versus the Meridian units it replaces. You also get clear information screens and power at every seat — helpful on longer runs.

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The Wi-Fi platform uses multi-SIM routing to lock onto the best signal along the corridor. Specially treated glass lets mobile data through more easily, so connections hold up when trains accelerate through patchy areas.

Frankly, comfort goes beyond bandwidth. Engineers tuned air-conditioning and ride dynamics for a quieter cabin, and the new interiors feel less cramped — a practical upgrade for commuters and families moving with luggage.

East Midlands Railway: emissions cuts and rollout

EMR will field 33 bi-mode trains that switch to electric power under wires, cutting emissions by up to 66% on electrified sections. That aligns with the £1.5bn Midland Main Line upgrade now rolling out.

Once the full fleet is in service, total seating on the corridor rises about 46% — capacity to absorb growth without immediate timetable contortions. As one planner put it, “the timetable has to match the seats.”

To be fair, the rollout needs careful phasing, so crews, depots, and software updates keep pace. EMR plans staged introduction and training, which reduces teething issues and keeps reliability front and center.

Will Rogers, EMR’s Managing Director, framed December as “the start of a new era for intercity travel.” He argues the design puts customers first — more seats, better connectivity, and a smoother, quieter ride.

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