East Midlands Railway (EMR) has introduced the first train of its new Class 170 ‘Tubostar’ regional fleet.
The new trains will initially run on the Robin Hood Line between Nottingham and Worksop, offering EMR Regional customers a more modern and reliable unit with free Wi-Fi. They are also the first trains on the EMR network to use the permanent, East Midlands Railway livery.
With a different design to the Class 15x fleet that they replace, the Class 170 trains offer wider doors, closer to the middle of the carriage making it easier to enter and exit for passengers and offer a more accessible layout while also providing a choice of table seats.
The Class 170s are also due to be significantly refurbished, to include various upgrades including the introduction of power sockets, improved CCTV, enhanced information systems and better toilet interiors.
To recognise the contribution from EMR colleagues, as well as those in the wider transport sector and all other key workers keeping Britain moving, EMR has named the first Class 170 to enter passenger service, ‘The Key Worker.’
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: “The introduction of our first 170 is an exciting milestone for us and a real boost for EMR Regional. They offer passengers significant improvements and benefits and will make journeys more comfortable and convenient.
“It is fitting to name the first train into service as ‘The Key Worker’ in honour and to say thank you to everyone who has worked so tirelessly in recent months to support us all.”
Andrew Pritchard, of Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), said: “We welcome the introduction of newer and better quality trains to the East Midlands and naming the train “Key Worker” values the front line staff across the region who have worked tirelessly and kept delivering.”
The first 170 train will be joined by a further two in early December. These units will be operating initially on the Nottingham to Worksop route before being rolled out more generally as part of our plans for 2021.
