Arriva-Backed Chiltern Railways Secures New Low-Emission Fleet for London–West Midlands Route

Arriva-Backed Chiltern Railways Secures New Low-Emission Fleet for London–West Midlands Route

(IN BRIEF) Chiltern Railways, part of Arriva Group, has obtained DfT approval to lease 13 new train sets from Beacon Trains under a 10-year contract. These units—scheduled to enter service from 2026—will replace older rolling stock on routes linking London, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and the West Midlands. Powered by renewable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), they can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 90% and maintain Chiltern’s pioneering role in low-emission rail. Enhanced features include improved accessibility, modern seating, live information screens, quieter travel, and dedicated luggage and cycle storage. The rollout underpins Arriva’s sustainability goals and Chiltern’s 2030 Vision to modernize and decarbonize its operations, with further plans for network electrification and expanded services.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 6-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Arriva Group’s Chiltern Railways has secured approval from the UK Department for Transport to introduce a brand-new fleet of low-emission trains, marking a significant upgrade for passengers on its London–Buckinghamshire–Oxfordshire–West Midlands route. Thirteen modern train sets—leased from Beacon Trains under a ten-year agreement—will progressively enter service from 2026, replacing the oldest units in Chiltern’s lineup and enabling additional scheduled journeys (pending industry timetable approvals).

These coaches will run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable blend of vegetable oils and recycled feedstocks that can cut well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Chiltern was the first UK passenger operator to trial HVO on its Class 68 locomotives in July 2023, and it will continue to power both existing and newly introduced locos with this cleaner fuel.

Passengers onboard will enjoy a host of enhancements: step-free access, redesigned seating layouts, real-time journey information screens, quieter cabins, and dedicated spaces for luggage and bicycles. This investment supports Arriva’s broader sustainability targets to modernize its fleets, boost fuel efficiency, and shrink environmental impacts across its European network.

Amanda Furlong, Managing Director UK Trains at Arriva Group, said:
“Upgrading Chiltern’s trains is a cornerstone of Arriva’s mission to foster greener rail travel in the UK and beyond. We’re proud to have worked closely with government to deliver these tangible improvements that will make journeys more comfortable and eco-friendly for our customers.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy added:
“This government is committed to putting passengers first by investing in cleaner, more reliable, and more comfortable rail services. We look forward to Chiltern introducing extra services that will give people more opportunities to live, work, and socialize.”

This milestone advances Chiltern Railways’ 2030 Vision, which includes electrifying parts of its network and replacing the remaining diesel fleet. More broadly, Arriva continues to collaborate with transport authorities across the UK and mainland Europe to roll out lower-emission vehicles, alternative fuels, and battery-hybrid or fully electric units—ensuring public transport remains the preferred choice for communities.

SOURCE: Arriva Group