East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Transport UK introduced the first modern Aurora train (also known as the Class 810 bi-mode train), manufactured by Hitachi Rail, into service on December 3.
The inaugural Aurora service departed from Sheffield bound for London, offering passengers their first experience of the comfort, reliability, and superior performance of Hitachi Rail’s new rolling stock.
The 33 bi-modal trains will operate on the Midland Main Line, which has been modernized with an investment of GBP 1.5 billion. They will be able to run on electrified lines, reducing carbon emissions by 66% and ensuring quieter and more environmentally friendly journeys.
The Aurora train fleet will offer passengers 24% more seats and over 19% more legroom in a typical five-carriage formation compared to the Meridian trains it is replacing. Once the entire fleet of 33 trains is operational, the total number of seats available to passengers on the Midland Main Line will increase by 46%.
East Midlands Railway has worked with Derby-based design firm DG Design to develop a new seat model, inspired by the FISA Lean model, offering increased comfort and support for passengers. The seats include power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, full-size tables on the backrest, and overhead luggage space under each seat.
Aurora trains feature an enhanced Wi-Fi system that uses multiple SIM cards to select the best available signal. In addition, thanks to glass specially designed to allow mobile signals to pass through more efficiently, passengers will enjoy better connectivity.
The first modern Aurora train is part of a GBP 400 million contract signed in 2019 with Hitachi Rail for the delivery of 165 intercity carriages. As a result, 33 trains with five carriages each will be delivered, which will operate regularly in 10-carriage formations.
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