East Midlands Trains

Established in 2007, East Midlands Trains (EMT) provided train services to the East Midlands area of England for twelve years. Now known as East Midlands Railway, the service continues to provide rail transport throughout the East Midlands area and has operated under the new name since 2019.

EMT was formed after the UK’s Department for Transport decided to restructure its rail franchises. Created through the combination of the Midland Mainline franchise and East Midland services, the EMT was officially awarded to the Scottish Stagecoach Group who owned and operated the rail.

Based in Derby, the EMT categorized its services into two types: London, inter-city services out of London St Pancras station; and, Local, short distance services within the East Midlands. During its operation, the rail service’s fleet was comprised of six trains including diesel-powered, high-speed locomotives, passenger carriers, and “super sprinters” — diesel-powered trains whose engines are incorporated into the carriages.

In 2019, the East Midlands franchise was once again up for bid. This time public transportation company Abellio acquired the service and renamed it East Midlands Railway (EMR). As new owner, Abellio has promised to invest over $754 million into the service and introduce new trains, improved stations, and increase seating.

Since its transition, the railway service has worked to adjust schedules and add to its growing fleet. Perhaps the most immediate change are the exteriors of some EMR trains … which have been painted purple.