East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, marking the beginning of a transformative year for the company.
EMR say it is a ‘significant upgrade in comfort and convenience for regional customers’.
The unveiling took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Derby – a city with a rich railway heritage and the soon-to-be home of Great British Railways.
EMR’s investment in its fleet comes at a time when Derby is set to become the beating heart of rail innovation in the UK.
The upgrade of the Class 170 fleet is part of a wider £60 million programme, which will also include the refurbishment of EMR’s Class 360 and Class 158 trains.
The interiors were designed by Derby-based DG Design, while the project was supported by a network of regional suppliers.
Many of the suppliers involved were based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Crewe, move that EMR say reinforces the importance of local industry and collaboration.
It also includes a dedicated bike storage area and redesigned interiors that echo the aesthetic of EMR’s new Aurora trains set to enter service later this year.
The refurbished Class 170 trains are owned by the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company Porterbrook and were previously operated by West Midlands Railway.
This comprehensive overhaul aims to offer a more comfortable, reliable and connected journey for customers across the region.
The train is the first of the 44-strong Class 170 fleet to be refurbished.
The next train in the programme is scheduled to enter service next month. Following that, a newly refurbished unit is expected to join the fleet each month.
EMR’s Class 170 fleet operates regional services across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Routes include: Matlock to Derby and Nottingham; Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield; Newark Castle to Crewe via Nottingham, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent; Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln; Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham; Cleethorpes to Leicester via Lincoln and Nottingham; and Cleethorpes to Barton-on-Humber. It is also frequently used on the Liverpool to Norwich route.
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: "This refurbishment is more than just a lick of paint – it’s a complete transformation that puts our customers first.
"We’ve focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it’s just the beginning. Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network."
Ben Ackroyd, Porterbrook COO, said: “Our investment in this Class 170 fleet ensures continued comfort, reliability, and performance to meet passengers’ evolving needs for years to come.
"It’s fantastic to welcome the first refurbished train back onto the network, and we’d like to thank our partners at EMR, Arriva Train Care, and all companies who have supported this significant milestone.”
Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, officially unveiled the train at an event at Derby station.
He said: "These upgraded trains will make a real difference to passengers, providing a more comfortable, reliable and accessible journey for the thousands of local people who rely on these services every day for work, school, or visiting loved ones.
“But what makes this even more special is that so much of the work has been designed right here in Derby. We’re proud of our rail heritage in this city and it's great to see this legacy continued."
Jonathan Davies MP, member of parliament for Mid Derbyshire, said: “Passengers travelling from Belper, Duffield, Spondon, and Derby will appreciate the overhaul of these trains.
“The refurbished trains have new seats and more comfortable tables and seats, modern plug sockets, more luggage space and enhanced facilities for disabled travellers.
“This will improve journeys for customers across our region and beyond.
“I am pleased East Midlands Railway is extending its refurbishment programme to the rest of its regional fleet, and this will be complemented with all-new intercity trains later this year.”
1. East Midlands Railway unveiling ceremony of the first revamped Class 170 train
Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, officially unveiled the train at an event at Derby station at a ribbon cutting ceremony. | Ria Ghei
2. Miles mascot Derby Train Station
The unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Derby Train Station. EMR’s investment in its fleet comes at a time when Derby is set to become the beating heart of rail innovation in the UK. | Ria Ghei
3. EMR Class 170 train unveiling at Derby Train Station, Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Class 170 is the first train under a multi-million pound programme to modernise the 170 fleet. | Ria Ghei
4. EMR Class 170 train unveiling
The unveiling took place at Derby Train Station, as anticipation built ahead of the train's unveiling. | Ria Ghei