The £6 million refurbishment of East Midlands Trains Meridian fleet will come to life on Monday 28 February, as the first refurbished train (222 008) enters passenger service for the very first time.

The refurbishment of the Meridian fleet, which is part of a wider investment programme to improve the entire East Midlands Trains’ fleet and represents a total investment of £30 million, is currently being carried out at the company’s Derby Etches Park Depot.

All 27 of the Meridian trains are being given a totally new look, with some of the highlights being the new luxury leather seats in First Class as well as brand new seat covers and carpeting throughout the rest of the train.  Additional luggage space is being provided as well as the creation of new space for buggies. Feedback from passengers and staff has also resulted in a change to the design of litter bins to make it easier for passengers to dispose of their rubbish, and the overhead luggage racks have also seen a modification to keep passengers’ luggage safe and secure during their trip.

East Midlands Trains’ Meridian fleet is used to operate services on the main line to and from London, and journalists will be able to get their first glimpse of the new look Meridian on the following services on Monday 28 February:

Depart Sheffield (for London) - 08.47
Chesterfield - 08.59
Derby - 09.20
Long Eaton - 09.30
East Midlands Parkway - 09.35
Loughborough - 09.42
Leicester - 09.55
Arrive London - 11.05*

*The train will be in London St Pancras from 11.05 until its next departure at 11.30

Depart London (for Nottingham) - 11.30
Luton Airport Parkway - 11.51
Bedford - 12.07
Wellingborough -12.20
Kettering - 12.27
Market Harborough - 12.37
Leicester - 12.54
Loughborough - 13.04
Beeston - 13.16
Arrive Nottingham - 13.25*

*The train will be at Nottingham station from 13.25 until its next departure at 14.02.