First Great Western Class 158 fleet will start to receive refurbishment from the end of July. The work will be undertaken at Wabtec, Doncaster, and follow the SWT Class 158s through the main shop.

The units will emerge carrying the new FGW Local Lines livery and be fitted with new seat cushions, new lighting, new laminated windows, revised new grab handles and
full CCTV.

FGWs allocation of Class 150s, 153s and 142s will undergo a like level of refurbishment at Pullman Rail's Cardiff Canton facility. It is understood that the Chapman seats will be retained with a new coloured moquette, interest surrounds the level of work on the Class 153s as FGW had previously promised new seats.

Passenger comfort seems to be a major part of this refurbishment package, with ride quality and noise improved with new ceiling and wall panels to reduce vibration.

All fleets will undergo improvements to significantly improve reliability.