Seeing firsthand the refurbished Class 170 trains, which will serve passengers travelling from Belper, Duffield, Spondon, and Derby, was a pleasure.
The refurbished trains have new and more comfortable seats and tables, modern plug sockets, more space, and enhanced facilities for disabled travellers.
I am pleased East Midlands Railway is extending its refurbishment programme to the rest of its regional fleet, and this will be complemented with all-new intercity trains later this year.
These trains have greater seating capacity – and they will be powered by overhead wires where they are in place, while relying on diesel engines for un-electrified sections of track.
Along with many others, I want to see the whole Midland Mainline electrified. With lower operational costs, greater efficiency and reliability, and environmental advantages, it would be a big improvement.