British Rail Class 810

In July 2012, it was announced by Network Rail that the Midland Main Line (MML) would be electrified north of Bedford, allowing the diesel trains currently used on the route by to be replaced with new electric trains. However, electrification was 'paused' by Network Rail in June 2015, and then cancelled in July 2017 by then-Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, who made the decision to use bi-mode trains on the MML instead. In August 2019, East Midlands Railway placed a £400million order for 33 five-car bi-mode units, to replace its Class 180 and 222 fleets on the MML. following multiple delays, the fleet was planned to enter service in early 2025, but this did not happen. In October 2020, following a public competition, EMR announced the Class 810 units would be branded as Aurora. In June 2025, having missed the May 2025 timetable change, EMR confirmed that the units would be introduced in "a phased roll-out during 2026" to allow for completion of testing and validation during summer 2025, followed by acceptance and training of drivers and train crew. On 8 August 2025, the first unit was accepted into their fleet following the completion of testing. On 10 November 2025, EMR confirmed that the first units would enter service in time for the December 2025 timetable change, On 3 December 2025, the first train formed the 07:00 service from Sheffield to London St Pancras. ==Design==

Class 810 undergoing testing at Newark Northgate The Class 810 is a modification of the Class 802 units Hitachi have delivered to a number of British train operators. The major change is a reduction in the length of each vehicle, which is required in order to allow paired (ten-car) Class 810 trains to use London St Pancras station. ==Interior==

In response to customer feedback regarding seating comfort on earlier Class 80x units, both first- and standard-class seats on the Class 810 are of a unique design that is intended to offer enhanced comfort. They are based on the existing FISA Lean design, but of an altered appearance. EMR worked closely with Derby-based design company DGDESIGN on the design of the new interiors. It is claimed that the seats have wider cushions, more-sculpted headrests, softer and deeper armrests, additional privacy screening, and be upholstered in a wool-rich moquette that is intended to be easier to keep clean. Every passenger has access to power sockets and USB charging points, at-seat coat hooks, and storage space under each seat. ==Fleet details==