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22 Jul 2025, by Amy Sarcevic
London’s Chiltern Rail Network – one of the most reputable transport networks in Britain – is improving its resilience through a series of major upgrades.
In recent years, changing travel patterns, post-pandemic shifts in commuter behaviour, and the growth of alternative transport modes, have demanded a rethink of how the UK’s rail sector operates.
Add to that, capacity constraints at Marylebone, and the need to balance fast intercity and frequent local services, and Chiltern has felt the push to overhaul its infrastructure.
As Managing Director, Richard Allan, explains, it will do so through three distinct stages.
Decarbonisation
By investing in partial- and bi-mode electric trains, Chiltern aims to bring long-term sustainability to its network, building on a successful transition to HVO fuel, that has already reduced the company’s emissions by up to 90 percent.
Mr Allan says that this move is necessary, with more than 40,000 new houses planned across the network by 2030.
Further demand is also expected from major commercial developments, such as Oxford United’s new stadium, Puy du Fou, and the growth of existing partners, including Bicester Village.
“The only way to provide the capacity needed to meet demand generated by new housing, jobs and leisure attractions is by ordering new battery-electric trains,” Mr Allan said.
Introducing modern trains with additional capacity
Chiltern will also replace its 47-year-old carriages with newer trains, to enhance customer experience, while also expanding its fleet size.
“We are engaging the Department for Transport to secure additional timetabled services to meet growing demand across the network, with further updates expected in the coming months,” Mr Allan said.
If approved, these modern trains will help strengthen growth and connectivity across the region, building on the £1.5bn in social value Chiltern delivered in 2024.
Improving existing trains
However, it is not just capacity the network needs to consider. Chiltern is keen to improve customer service and public performance measures, by improving the functionality of existing trains.
To this end, it began a £12m refurbishment programme on its newer diesel trains (class 168s) last year; and shortly, it will begin a £4 million refurbishment of its diesel trains (Class 165s).
“These upgrades primarily run from London Marylebone-Oxford, which is a really popular part of the network. They will help us satisfy a range of metrics relating to customer services,” Mr Allan said.
Further insight
Richard Allan is sharing more about Chiltern’s upgrades at the ongoing Rail Decarbonisation and Resilience Conference, held 22-23 July 2025.
This year’s event is exploring how industry is using sustainable infrastructure and technology to handle future threats, with a focus on climate-adaptive design, cyber resilience, and emergency response. Solutions like clean traction power, alternate fuels, and energy-efficient operations will also be discussed.
Learn more and register your tickets here.
About Richard Allan
Richard has been Managing Director of Chiltern Railways since September 2020 and is a member of Arriva’s rail leadership team. He is a non-Executive Director of the Rail Safety and Standards Board, chair of the industry-wide Sustainable Rail Executive and is a Trustee of the Railway Children charity.
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