New fleet of trains in 2026
Chiltern Railways will add 10,000 more seats for its customers when it introduces a new fleet of trains in December 2026 – as it eyes longer-term plans to move to battery-electric rolling stock.
The deployment of new Mark 5A trains between London and the West Midlands will begin in early 2026.
The move will enable Chiltern to deliver more capacity across each of its West Midlands, Aylesbury and Oxford routes.
The new fleet of 13 modern trains will replace Chiltern’s oldest carriages, which are nearly 50 years old, with state-of-the-art equivalents offering a far more pleasant on-board experience.
Enhanced Wi-Fi, plug sockets, USB ports at every seat and digital customer information screens, air-conditioning and improved luggage and bike storage will be among the benefits.
Long-term plans to move to battery-powered electric trains
Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “The unveiling of the first of our newest trains at London Marylebone is a positive, tangible sign of better times ahead for customers.
“We are making good progress with our 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 our 35-year old diesel trains with battery-electric trains.”
At a London Marylebone event unveiling the newly liveried trains, Rail Minister Lord Hendy toured the first new train.
He said: “These trains will give a fresh look and greater capacity for Chiltern’s passengers, giving better journeys while using cleaner fuel, and this investment reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a rail industry that Britain needs and deserves.”
