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Written question asked by Clive Betts (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2025 (named day). It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Midland Main Line: Rolling Stock

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with regards new Aurora trains being introduced on the Midland Mainline, what changes to the internal layout of standard class carriages is being proposed compared to Meridian class trains in order to achieve the advertised increased numbers of seats.

Answer

The new Class 810 ‘Aurora’ trains fit more seats by using the space in standard class more efficiently than the older Class 222 ‘Meridian’ trains.

The main changes are:

  • Smarter storage: luggage stacks and overhead racks have been redesigned so they take up less floor space and keep more room for seats.
  • New seat design and updated seating layout: the saloons are laid out to make better use of the same footprint, while providing over 19 per cent more legroom (floor space) for passengers.

The trains still include accessible toilets, priority seating, two wheelchair spaces and two bike spaces, and now have power at every seat and improved Wi‑Fi.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
96610
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Rolling stock Midland main line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk