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East Midlands Railway (EMR) has revealed the interiors of its new £400m Aurora fleet, designed to enhance the travel experience on the Midland Main Line. Built by Hitachi and set to roll out between 2025 and 2026, the bi-mode trains promise improved comfort, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
EMR collaborated with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to develop a new seat design for the Aurora trains. These seats not only offer enhanced comfort but also feature practical additions such as power and USB points, ample legroom, coat hooks, seat-back tables for airline-style seating, cabin-bag storage under seats, and overhead luggage space.
Rachel Turner, EMR’s head of new trains, expressed excitement about the progress, noting that the company has worked closely with Hitachi to ensure the trains meet the expectations of modern passengers. The new fleet will also benefit from the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line Upgrade, allowing them to run on electric overhead lines, reducing carbon emissions and creating a quieter, greener travel environment.
Key Features of the Aurora Fleet
The new Aurora trains will bring significant improvements for passengers, including:
- Increased seating capacity
- Modern interiors with air conditioning
- Free WiFi and plug sockets
- Advanced passenger information screens
The seats, designed in collaboration with DG DESIGN, are based on the FISA Lean model but have been refined to provide extra comfort. Cushions, headrests, and armrests have been enhanced, while durable materials such as a wool-rich herringbone moquette and leather have been used for long-lasting quality.
In addition to comfort, the seats include practical features like generous legroom, power outlets, USB points, coat hooks, and under-seat storage for cabin-sized bags.
Supporting UK Manufacturing
The construction of the Aurora fleet, financed by Rock Rail East Midlands, is a boost for the UK manufacturing industry. Built by Hitachi Rail UK in County Durham, the project involves contributions from several Midlands and UK-based suppliers. This highlights the positive impact of the project on the domestic manufacturing sector.
Behind the Scenes of the Aurora Project
EMR has launched a documentary series on the Aurora project, giving passengers an inside look at the design and development process. The first episode highlights the challenges involved in introducing the new state-of-the-art trains to the region, showing the initial construction phase at the Hitachi plant in the North East. Watch part one of the Aurora documentary here.
Why the Name Aurora?
Aurora, named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, symbolises a fresh start for the railway services in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The name also draws inspiration from the Northern Lights, reflecting the trains’ ability to operate under electric power, much like the transfer of solar energy that creates the aurora phenomenon.
With the Aurora fleet, EMR is set to redefine train travel on the Midland Main Line, delivering a comfortable, modern, and environmentally friendly experience for passengers.
