East Midlands Trains awards Refurbishment Contract to DeltaRail

East Midlands Trains has today announced plans for the full refurbishment of its Class 158 train fleet, using local Derby-based company DeltaRail.

The multi million pound refurbishment programme, which will be carried out over the next 20 months, will see all 25 of the company's Class 158 trains going through a complete overhaul. This will include:

• All trains repainted in the new East Midlands Trains livery

• Internal refurbishment of every train which includes improvements to seating design and capacity, bringing much needed improvements to this area of the train. In addition, a new toilet area will be included as part of the refurbishment programme

• Modification to various systems on the train to bring improved reliability

• Improved air conditioning units fitted to the majority of these trains to improve the reliability and efficiency

• Introduction of CCTV on every train

• Installation of a passenger counting device - an innovative piece of technology that allows passenger flows to be monitored, a first for East Midlands Trains

This refurbishment is just part of the £90m of investment during the life of the East Midlands Trains franchise, making improvements in areas that impact directly on performance, reliability and customer service such as:

• Upgrade to Derby train maintenance depot

• Investment in stations; additional customer help points, refurbished waiting areas, improved lighting and facilities

• Introduction of a new joint control centre in Derby with Network Rail to better improve communications

• New timetable in December 2008 offering faster journey times and increased capacity

• The opening of a brand new station - East Midlands Parkway

• Improved journey times on the route to London

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains said:

"The award of this contact and the start of work on the Class 158 trains is a huge step forward for East Midlands Trains. Not only will the refurbishment result in additional seating capacity, passengers will also get the benefit of more comfortable seating, new air conditioning and CCTV, as well as brand new toilets - something we know our passengers will welcome!"

"I'm looking forward to working with DeltaRail on this contract, and especially pleased that the work will be carried out in Derby, ensuring that the city's well renowned reputation for fleet build and refurbishment continues on through this extensive improvement programme".

Anna Matthews, CEO DeltaRail said:

"We are delighted to have been chosen to carry out this important overhaul of the Class 158 fleet. DeltaRail's innovative and low risk rolling stock refurbishment solutions are designed to deliver cost effective operational and economic improvements for its customers. We look forward to working closely with East Midlands Trains on this project."

The refurbishment of the East Midlands Trains Class 158 fleet will start in August, and each two car train will take between four and six weeks to complete.