Chiltern Railways unveils refurbished train and reaffirms commitment to future generations of customers

Today, Chiltern Railways launched the first refurbished train of a £12 million upgrade programme, a significant investment in our mission to provide easier, greener, and better journeys for customers in the future.

Our fleet of 24 year old Class 168 trains are undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, featuring modern features such as improved Wi-Fi, USB sockets, a fresh coat of paint, and a revamped heating and cooling system.

The interior of the trains has also received a significant upgrade, resulting in a more pleasant and comfortable journey for our customers.

To celebrate the unveiling, we hosted a special event at London Marylebone station, attended by industry partners, community stakeholders, and Chiltern employees. Guests were treated to a string quartet performance and a unique AI experience that allowed them to create futuristic images of themselves with the refurbished train as the backdrop.

Arriva UK Trains Managing Director David Brown, Chiltern Railways Managing Director Richard Allan, Rachel Blake MP, and Porterbrook Chief Operating Officer Ben Ackroyd were also present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony (shown below left).

The first fully refurbished train is now in service on our main line routes between London Marylebone, Oxford, and Birmingham. The remainder of our fleet of trains will be upgraded over the next 12 months.

The impact of this refurbishment will be significant, as explained by Richard Allan, our Managing Director:

“I am particularly excited about this refurbishment as it is part of our three-stage plan to modernise and decarbonise our railway. By investing £12 million in our Class 168 carriages, we are providing our customers with a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. The upgraded features, including new seating, lighting, Wi-Fi, and USB charging points, are a testament to our commitment to improving the customer journey.”

“I am impressed with the end result and hope it is welcomed by customers and stakeholders.”

ENDS