East Midlands Railway (EMR) is on the edge of rolling out its “new” electric train fleet. Let us see what they will offer the passenger (and yes, there is an aviation angle).
EMR will deploy its Class 360/1 trains into squadron service from 16th May, as part of the Midland Main Line upgrade. This has allowed electrification of the line beyond Bedford, up to Corby, with an additional track between Kettering and Corby.
The trains will operate under the EMR Connect sub brand. They will serve destinations between Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton & Luton Airport Parkway every 30 minutes on weekdays from 06:00. On Sundays, a weekday timetable will be offered from 14:00.
They will operate in eight carriage configurations (two pairs of four-car sets), with EMR operating the entire fleet of 21 trains. The move allows for the re-introduction of peak-time services between Wellingborough and Bedford, meaning passengers will not need to use the replacement coach service.
The trains have also been regeared, allowing for faster operation than before, with them able to reach up to 110mph.
The Aviation Angle (Luton Airport)
For those travelling to and from Luton Airport, the addition of EMR Connect services will allow for a just over 20-minute direct service to St Pancras International, every 30 minutes.
Currently, this takes between 32 minutes and 45 minutes, depending on the service you take (with Luton Airport Parkway served by both Thameslink and East Midlands Railway).
Currently, passengers need to change for a bus service between Luton Airport Parkway and the Luton Airport complex. This will change during 2022, when the Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) opens, allowing for a 4-minute ride between the Terminal and the station.
Refurbishment (or lack thereof)
The trains were meant to be refurbished before entering service. However, it seems that the pandemic has thrown off the refurbishment plans. No timelines have been given when they will be refurbished
As such, these are very much in a “commuter” configuration, with a mixture of 2-3 and 2-2 seating in airline-style and facing (when they left the Great Eastern mainline).
In Quotes
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway,
“We are delighted to be able to introduce our new all-electric EMR Connect service for our passengers travelling between Corby and London St Pancras.
“Not only will EMR Connect enable a significant reduction in carbon emissions and noise levels, it will also provide more seats, later services and more frequent journeys helping to support the communities and businesses of the region.”
A welcome capacity increase, as well as good news for Luton Airport passengers
With the nation gearing waiting for social distancing guidelines to ease, high-capacity trains like this will be welcome for passengers who are used to services that may be packed heading in and out of London – certainly the 30-minute clockface timetable will allow people to plan with more confidence about their travels.
It’s also a welcome capacity boost for those who don’t want to occupy local services into London.
Whilst it is disappointing to not see a refurbishment at this point (other than some vinyls put over existing paintwork), for now, passengers will enjoy a faster ride along the Midland Main Line, with a lot less noise than the existing Meridian trains that are used on the route.
Hopefully with the capacity increase, fares will also drop on these routes as more passengers use them.
As for airline passengers, it is another useful connection between London and Luton Airport, offering a faster ride between the two locations.
And as people begin travelling again – those options will be welcome
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