East Midlands Railway (EMR) announced a reduction in train services from July 2026 until further notice, citing ongoing problems with its new Aurora Class 810 fleet. The operator will cancel some Intercity services between London St Pancras and East Midlands cities starting Monday, alongside reductions in carriage numbers on other routes.
Aurora (Class 810) Fleet Background
The Aurora (Class 810) trains, built by Hitachi Rail, began passenger service in December 2025 after a three-year delay. The new fleet was introduced to replace the aging Class 222 trains and was cleared through necessary testing and regulatory approval prior to entering service.
Affected Routes and Passenger Changes
Intercity routes impacted by the
service changes include connections between London St Pancras and Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln, Derby, and Sheffield. EMR has already operated a reduced timetable for two weeks, partially attributing it to warm weather, although reliability issues with the trains remain a significant factor. Passengers on cancelled trains can travel on up to two alternative services before or after their booked train without penalty, or opt for a full refund.
Official Statements on Causes and Mitigation
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway, said the Class 810 fleet’s performance had “fallen below the levels we and our customers expect,” necessitating timetable adjustments. An EMR spokesperson highlighted that ongoing
reliability and maintenance issues affecting both the new Class 810 and existing Class 222 fleets have severely disrupted Intercity services. EMR is working closely with Hitachi Rail to resolve these issues promptly.
A Hitachi Rail representative confirmed more than one third of the Class 810 fleet has been delivered since December 2025. The company continues to collaborate with EMR and industry partners during the fleet rollout, investing in additional testing at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre to support further train deliveries and improve service introduction.
Passenger Impact and Public Reaction
The service reductions have led to passenger complaints and political criticism. Neil O’Brien, MP
for Harborough and frequent user of EMR services, described the situation as a “total mess” ongoing for months. Bruce Williamson from the rail passenger group Railfuture called any reduction in service “a step in the wrong direction,” noting that passengers desire more reliable and less crowded trains.
EMR apologised for the disruption and emphasised a commitment to restoring reliable services. The timetable changes will remain until EMR and Hitachi Rail resolve the ongoing disruptions.
Future Fleet Rollout Plans
The controlled introduction of the Class 810 fleet will continue throughout 2026 and 2027. Hitachi Rail pledged ongoing support to EMR during the gradual fleet rollout
phase to improve reliability and address service challenges associated with the new Aurora trains.
