East Midlands Railway (EMR) has released details of the interiors of its new Aurora fleet, highlighting all the benefits it says will provide customers as they travel to and from the capital down the Midland Mainline.
EMR’s new Intercity fleet of 33 five-carriage trains, capable of running on electricity and diesel, is being built by Hitachi Rail in County Durham and financed by Rock Rail East Midlands. They are due to be in operation in early 2025, with the full fleet of trains in service during the year.
The seats have been designed in close collaboration with Derby-based design firm DGDESIGN. EMR has taken the proven product of the FISA Lean seat and refined it to offer enhanced comfort and support. It has also improved the appearance to match what they believe customers expect from an Intercity service seat.
The seat rework has included enlarging the size of cushions, headrests, and armrests and ensuring that high-quality durable materials are used throughout, such as wool-rich moquette and leather.
Practical and technological features include power and USB-C points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables for all airline seats, and space to stow a cabin bag under each seat.
The trains will also include features that customers have said they want to see, including air conditioning, free WiFi throughout, better mobile phone signal access, more luggage space, plug sockets, and better passenger information screens.
Rachel Turner, Head of New Trains at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are really excited for the introduction of the Aurora fleet.
“Working with Hitachi, we have made every effort possible to make sure the features that customers value are included and that the environment of the carriages is as comfortable, spacious, and practical as possible.”
