Yesterday (14th October), Chiltern Railways showcased their Mark 5A trains.

Once introduced, these trains will add an extra 10,000 seats each weekday.

They are set to be introduced from 2026 between London and the West Midlands and will offer better journeys for customers.

The 13 trains are the newest fleet from Chiltern, replacing their oldest, which dates back around 50 years.

The fleet will also feature improvements to the passenger experience, including USB ports and sockets and WiFi. There will be better storage for bikes and luggage, as well as air conditioning.

These trains will also improve accessibility for those with accessibility needs, featuring fully accessible toilets and better seating and boarding arrangements.

At an event at London Marylebone station, a newly liveried train was unveiled, and Rail Minister Lord Hendy toured it with Chiltern Managing Director Richard Allan before heading out on a journey to Birmingham.

“We are thrilled for customers that we are replacing our oldest coaches with much newer trains, and as a result we plan to provide 10,000 more seats on our network every weekday from the end of 2026. 

“The unveiling of the first of our newest trains at London Marylebone is a positive, tangible sign of better times ahead for customers. There are better on-board facilities and more services planned from the end of 2026, subject to the usual rail industry approval processes. 

“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.” 

Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways