Modern trains unveiled for Chiltern Railways routes

Chiltern say the Mark 5A trains will be in service from spring 2026

Chiltern Railways has announced its oldest carriages, which were built nearly half a century ago, are set to be replaced by newer trains from spring next year.

The company said it would be replacing its Mark 3 carriages with 13 Mark 5A trains - which include updated features, such as charging ports in every seat.

It said the update was a "boost for regional growth", which would "transform customer journeys" across its routes.

Chiltern operates services between London and Birmingham, with journeys travelling between towns and cities across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

Richard Allan, the company's managing director, said: "We are thrilled for our customers that we will be able to replace our oldest trains, which are nearly 50 years old, and replace them with their modern equivalent that are just six years old and provide significant improvement to their on-board experience."

He said the newer trains would enable the company to run more services from the end of 2026 to "help meet rising demand".

The rail company said the trains would have charging ports at every seat

The modern fleet will include enhanced wi-fi, digital customer information screens and onboard air conditioning.

It will also be fuelled with recycled vegetable oil, which Chiltern said would help reduce emissions.

Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury - which has a station on the Chiltern line, said he was "delighted" by Tuesday's announcement.

He said the standard of Chiltern trains had been a "regular complaint of constituents throughout" his first year in office.

"I am pleased that this happened and that better and more comfortable journeys are imminent," he added.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the investment showed "this government is putting passengers back at the heart of the 21st Century railway".

"We are continuing to support Chiltern as they develop a plan to introduce additional services into their timetable, giving people more opportunities to work, live, and socialise," he said.