Chiltern Railways unveils newest trains to transform customer journeys
Chiltern Railways‘ were delighted to unveil the first of their newest (Mark 5A) trains on Tuesday 14 October alongside the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, marking the start of the next stage of their 2030 Vision to deliver easier, greener, and better journeys for customers.
Chiltern Railways have made great progress in delivering Stage 1 of their 2030 Vision since 2023, including the ongoing refurbishment of 25-year old diesel trains and by fixing the basics including re-painting stations, refurbishing toilets and upgrading colleague accommodation.
The newest (Mark 5A) trains mark the start of stage 2 (replace and grow) and will deliver substantial benefits for customers and communities across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. The first of the newer trains will enter service in early 2026 and each will feature:
- Improved customer facilities: Including reliable Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and live customer information screens keeping passengers informed throughout their journey.
- Improved accessibility: Fully compliant toilets and enhanced facilities, with better seating arrangements for customers with accessibility needs, ensuring comfortable travel for all.
- Sustainable operations: All of the newest trains will run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, a renewable alternative to diesel that reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel. By December 2026, approximately 20% of fuel use will be HVO, up from 7% today.
- Community considerations: Dedicated luggage and bike storage for cyclists, plus noise-reducing modifications ensuring quieter services for communities along routes.
The unveiling of the first of the newest trains at London Marylebone is a positive, tangible sign of better times ahead for customers and businesses along the line. There are also more services planned from the end of 2026, which will include 10,000 additional weekday seats being delivered, subject to the usual rail industry approval processes.
Chiltern Railways are making good progress with their vision and plan to modernise and decarbonise Chiltern; the next stage is to continue working with Network Rail and the Department of Transport on the business case to replace their 35-year old diesel trains with battery-electric trains.
Chiltern Railways want to continue to grow rail usage to serve world class destinations including Silverstone, Wembley Stadium and Bicester Village, as well as expanding their capacity for future attractions like the Puy du Fou Theme Park and the Oxford United Stadium. There are also 42,000 houses due to be built across the Chiltern network by 2030 and this plan will be a catalyst for supporting regional economic growth.
Your ongoing support has been instrumental in reaching this landmark, Chiltern Railways thank you and look forward to working with you as they progress toward their ambitious goal.
ENDS
