East Midlands Railway (EMR) will cancel approximately 20 fast trains each day between London, Sheffield, and Nottingham on the Midland mainline due to ongoing performance and reliability issues with its new class 810 fleet.
Known as Auroras before entering service in 2026 after a three-year delay, the bi-mode class 810 trains have underperformed, prompting EMR to implement a temporary reduced timetable. EMR also cited poor maintenance of its existing class 222 fleet by Hitachi Rail as a factor affecting service consistency.
Strike Ballots at LNER and Avanti West Coast
The train drivers’ union Aslef initiated a strike ballot on LNER services running between London and Scotland following the
collapse of a pay agreement. The Department for Transport declined to approve the pay deal struck by LNER and has urged the union to engage constructively.
Separately, Aslef is balloting members on Avanti West Coast over pay disputes and has not renewed a rest-day working agreement, which has already caused cancellations on that network.
Aslef general secretary Dave Calfe stated the failure by employers to present suitable pay offers led to the strike ballots. The ballots could result in strikes by late August 2026 on both LNER and Avanti West Coast.
Bedford Rail Crash Investigation
Investigations into the fatal Bedford rail crash in June
2026 remain underway. The incident involved an EMR class 810 Aurora train that stopped on the mainline due to an automatic warning system fault before being struck by another EMR train that passed a red signal.
Official Statements on Service and Industrial Action
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, said: “The performance of the class 810 fleet has fallen below the levels we and our customers expect, and it is necessary to introduce a temporary reduced timetable while we work with the manufacturer, Hitachi Rail, to improve consistency in service.” He added EMR regrets the disruption and is committed to restoring reliable services.
A Hitachi
Rail spokesperson confirmed the company is collaborating with industry partners to implement improvements and support the ongoing transition.
Dave Calfe from Aslef said: “The company’s failure to make a suitable offer is unacceptable and that’s why we are balloting our members for industrial action.” A Department for Transport spokesperson responded: “We have given LNER approval for a fair and affordable deal. We know how frustrating disruption can be for passengers and strongly encourage the union to continue engaging constructively with LNER to reach a solution.”
Passenger Impact and Future Disruptions
Passengers using EMR’s Midland mainline services throughout summer 2026 should expect reduced train numbers, cancellations,
short-formed trains, and increased crowding. Potential strike action following Aslef’s ballots on LNER and Avanti West Coast could further disrupt north-south intercity routes by late August 2026.
Some cancellations on Avanti West Coast have already occurred due to industrial action linked to non-renewal of rest-day agreements.
