East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled the first fully refurbished Class 360 train, marking a major milestone in its investment to modernise services between Corby and London St Pancras International.
The upgraded train is the first to emerge from EMR’s £30 million EMR Connect refurbishment programme, which forms part of a wider £60 million investment to improve regional services across the East Midlands network.
The refurbishment programme is designed to deliver a significantly improved customer experience for passengers travelling on both EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services, which connect Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford and Luton with central London.
The transformed Class 360 features a completely redesigned interior, including new 2+2 seating throughout the train. The layout combines airline-style seating with table bays, creating a more spacious and comfortable environment for commuters, leisure travellers and airport passengers.
Passengers will also benefit from upgraded luggage storage facilities, power sockets and USB charging points at seats, enhanced passenger information systems, refreshed interior finishes and improved accessibility features.
The first refurbished unit is expected to enter passenger service next month, with further trains set to follow as the programme progresses across the fleet.
EMR Connect was introduced in 2021 as the operator’s first fully electric service, replacing diesel operations and reducing carbon emissions on the route by 77 per cent. The latest refurbishment programme aims to build on those environmental benefits while significantly improving comfort and reliability for passengers.
Dominic Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Transport UK, said the project demonstrates the operator’s commitment to both customer experience and long-term fleet performance.
“The unveiling of this first fully refurbished Class 360 train marks a key delivery milestone and demonstrates Transport UK’s unwavering commitment to our passengers,” he said.
“This is a perfect example of our delivery-first culture in action, driven by operational expertise.
“As part of our substantial £60 million regional refurbishment programme, it ensures comprehensive upgrades, delivering a higher quality journey for EMR passengers. Crucially, this commitment extends beyond today’s comfort: we are securing the long-term reliability of a modern electric fleet that has already achieved a 77 per cent reduction in carbon emissions on this route, serving the region responsibly and sustainably for years to come.”
EMR Managing Director Will Rogers described the investment as a significant upgrade for passengers using the route.
“This investment will transform the experience for our customers, delivering trains that are more comfortable, more practical and better suited to modern travel,” he said.
“The refurbished fleet will provide a step-change for passengers using EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services and I look forward to hearing what customers think of it when the first enters service next month.”
The refurbishment programme has been delivered in partnership with rolling stock owner Angel Trains and Siemens Mobility, which has carried out the upgrade work at its facilities in Northampton and Bedford.
David Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Angel Trains, said refurbishment programmes continue to play an important role in improving passenger experience while extending fleet life.
“These upgrades will make a real difference to passengers travelling on the EMR Connect route, helping to deliver a more modern and comfortable onboard experience while ensuring these trains continue to serve communities across the region for years to come,” he said.
“Programmes like this demonstrate how targeted investment in refurbishment can transform the passenger experience, while supporting the long-term future of rail travel.”
Siemens Mobility highlighted the extensive work undertaken to modernise both passenger-facing features and onboard systems.
Aglaja Schneider, Joint UK & Ireland Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for Rolling Stock and Customer Services at Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “It’s great to see the first refurbished Class 360 completed.
“Our teams in Northampton and Bedford have worked closely with East Midlands Railway and Angel Trains throughout, and the result is a train that looks and feels noticeably different for passengers.”
The investment has also been welcomed by London Luton Airport, where rail continues to play an increasingly important role in passenger access.
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, said the upgraded trains would further strengthen rail’s position as a sustainable travel option.
“This multi-million-pound investment from EMR delivers a modern, comfortable onboard experience for the growing number of passengers using the service, further strengthening rail as an attractive, more sustainable option for airport travel,” he said.
Regional transport leaders have also praised the progress, with Transport for the East Midlands highlighting the importance of bringing the fleet up to a standard that reflects its strategic role within the region’s transport network.
With additional refurbished units scheduled to enter service over the coming months, passengers across the route can expect a gradual transformation of one of the East Midlands’ key commuter and airport rail services.
