East Midlands Railway (EMR) announced it will restore several cancelled Intercity train services starting 31 August 2026, raising its timetable operation from 87% to 92% of the full planned schedule.
Background of Service Reduction and Train Introduction
Service reductions began on 20 July 2026 due to reliability problems with the new Aurora (Class 810) trains manufactured by Hitachi Rail, which entered service in December 2025 following a three-year delay. Issues with both the Class 810 and older Class 222 trains affected toilets, air conditioning, and catering equipment, prompting EMR to adopt a reduced timetable aimed at delivering more consistent services while addressing fleet challenges.
Details of Reinstated Services and Impact on Key Routes
From 31 August,
EMR will reinstate five weekday and three weekend trains on the Sheffield route and three weekday plus one weekend train on the Nottingham route. This move will benefit passengers traveling on the Midland Main Line in the East Midlands region by increasing available services and improving overall timetable coverage.
Official Responses and Ongoing Fleet Improvements
Neil Grabham, EMR’s interim managing director, stated the service reductions on 20 July were necessary to provide a reliable schedule while managing train fleet challenges with partners including Hitachi Rail and Rock Rail. He indicated that the timetable adjustment has led to greater operational stability and fewer short-notice cancellations. An EMR
spokesperson denied claims that the Class 810 trains fail to meet required safety standards.
Hitachi Rail reported implementing an agreed action plan with EMR focused on both the Class 810 and Class 222 fleets. They have increased maintenance efforts on Class 222 units and improved parts availability. Additional capacity at Long Marston Innovation Centre supports ongoing modifications and testing on Class 810 trains. Hitachi Rail apologized for passenger inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to further improvements in cooperation with EMR and partners.
Union Concerns and Safety Issues
The RMT union has raised safety concerns related to EMR’s train operations, reporting that some trains entering service
may require full resets due to faults, temporarily disabling active safety systems. The union conducted strike actions over two recent Saturdays in response to these issues. EMR and Hitachi continue working together to improve fleet reliability and address maintenance challenges affecting passenger services.
