{{Short description|Diesel multiple-unit high-speed passenger train}} {{Infobox DMU | name = British Rail Class 222 ''Meridian'' | background = #{{EMR colour}} | image = EMR 222104 at Nottingham.jpg | caption = East Midlands Railway Class 222 at {{rws|Nottingham}} | interiorimage = File:EMR Class 222 Refreshed Interior.jpg | imagesize = 300px | interiorcaption = Refreshed East Midlands Railway Standard Class interior | manufacturer = Bombardier Transportation | factory = Bruges | family = Voyager<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Bombardier – The ew rail era|magazine=Modern Locomotives Illustrated |date=October 2016 |issue=221 |pages=4–13}}</ref> | replaced = {{ubl|InterCity 125|{{brc|170}}}} | successor = {{ubl|{{brc|180}} (Hull Trains)<ref name="modernrailways2008hulltrains180"></ref>|{{brc|810}} (East Midlands Railway)}} | formation = {{ubl|4 & 9 car sets (as built)|5 & 7 car sets (East Midlands Trains sets re-formation)|5, 6 & 7 car sets (present)}} | fleetnumbers = {{ubl|222002–222023{{CN|date=May 2026}}|222101–222104{{CN|date=May 2026}}|222601<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Milner |first=Chris |title=First Lumo Class 222 refresh completed, set renumbered |department=Headline News |magazine=Rail Express |issue=361 |date=June 2026 |page=8}}</ref>}} | numberbuilt = 27 sets | numberservice = 26 | depots = {{ubl|Future: Central Rivers (Staffordshire)| Haymarket (Roseburn)|Polmadie (Glasgow)| Inverness}}<ref name="NewLumostartdate"/><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=ScotRail confirms 222s will replace HSTs |magazine=Modern Railways|volume=83|issue=932|date=May 2026|page=13|department=News Front}}</ref> | lines = {{ubl|Current:|Midland Main Line|Oakham to Kettering Line|{{rws|London Euston}} to {{rws|Stirling|Scotland}}|Future:|Highland Main Line|Aberdeen–Inverness line|{{rws|Glasgow Queen Street}}/{{rws|Edinburgh Waverley}} to {{rws|Aberdeen}}}} | stocktype = | service = 31 May 2004 – present | yearconstruction = 2003–2005 | weight = | capacity = | maxspeed = {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} | traction = One per car, Alstom alternator, 750v asynchronous ONIX IGBT drive with AGATE traction control, asynchronous traction motors (2 per car) | brakes = Rheostatic and electro-pneumatic | engine = Cummins QSK19-R {{avoid wrap|(one per car)}} | enginetype = Inline-6 turbo-diesel<ref name="qsk19r">{{cite book |title=Every Track - QSK19 for Rail Applications |publisher=Cummins Ltd |location=Daventry |edition=09/08 |id=Bulletin 4087201 |url=https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0043213.pdf |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202140716/https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0043213.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2022}}</ref> | displacement = {{cvt|1159|cuin|L|order=flip|0}} per engine<ref name="qsk19r" /> | poweroutput = {{convert|559|kW|hp|abbr=on}} per engine {{nowrap|at 1800 rpm}} | acceleration = {{convert|0.8|m/s2|mph/s|abbr=on}}<ref name="eversholt">{{Cite web |title=CLASS 222 |url=https://eversholtrail.co.uk/fleet/class-222/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815171507/https://eversholtrail.co.uk/fleet/class-222/ |archive-date=15 August 2019 |access-date=5 August 2021 |website=eversholtrail.co.uk}}</ref> | owner = Eversholt Rail Group<ref name="mrr23rf">{{cite book |editor1-last=Sherratt |editor1-first=Philip |title=Modern Railways: Review 2023 |date=2023 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford |isbn=978-1-80282-569-5 |pages=18–19 |chapter=ROSCO Fleets}}</ref> | operator = {{ubl|Current:|East Midlands Railway|Lumo|Future:|ScotRail|Former:|Hull Trains|Midland Mainline}} | refurbishment = {{ubl|2011–2012|2023-2024<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated251">{{cite magazine |title=East Midlands Railway begins £3m Meridian standard class seat refurbishment project |magazine=Railways Illustrated |issue=251 |date=January 2024 |page=13}}</ref>|2026-present<ref>{{cite web |title=Alstom secures £50 million contract to enhance and service Class 222 trains for Lumo in the UK |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/6/alstom-secures-ps50-million-contract-enhance-and-service-class-222-trains-lumo-uk |website=Alstom Press Releases News |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Alstom secures long-term train services and refurbishment contracts for £330 million[1] (€380 million) with ScotRail and Beacon in the UK |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk |website=Alstom Press Releases News |access-date=18 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref>}} | safety = AWS, TPWS | width = {{convert|2.73|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} | carlength = {{ubl|{{convert|23.85|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} end cars|{{convert|22.82|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} other}} | carbody = Steel | gauge = {{track gauge|uksg}} | coupling = Dellner 12<ref name="sd001">{{cite book |title=System Data for Mechanical and Electrical Coupling of Rail Vehicles in support of GM/RT2190 |date=22 June 2011 |id=SD001 |publisher=Rail Safety and Standards Board |publication-place =London |page=4 |url=http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/rv_coupling_system_data/SD001.pdf |access-date=22 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401203135/http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/rv_coupling_system_data/SD001.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | multipleworking = Within Class | uicclass = 1A′A1′+1A′A1′+...+1A′A1′ | wheelbase = Bogies: {{cvt|2.250|m|ftin}}<ref name="bo">{{cite book |title=M-Size Bogies: B5000 for Coach and EMU Applications |date=September 2004 |publisher=Bombardier Transport |location=Crespin |url=http://www.bogieoperatorforum.com/fileadmin/Downloads_Member/BT_Datasheets/M_MXXXX_B5000_Virgin_03-11_EN_web.pdf |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004081641/http://www.bogieoperatorforum.com/fileadmin/Downloads_Member/BT_Datasheets/M_MXXXX_B5000_Virgin_03-11_EN_web.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2011}}</ref> | bogies = Bombardier B5005<ref name="orrAuth2">{{cite letter |first=Chris |last=O'Doherty |recipient=Carolyn Griffiths (Rail Accident Investigation Board, Department for Transport) |subject=RAIB Report: Passenger train derailment near East Langton, Leicestershire |date=2 May 2013 |pages=21, 62|url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/media/18360/download |format=PDF |publisher=Office of Rail and Road |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202203514/https://www.orr.gov.uk/media/18360/download |archive-date=2 December 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | wheeldiameter = {{cvt|780|–|716|mm|in}} {{avoid wrap|(maximum–minimum)}}<ref name="bo"/> }}
The '''British Rail Class 222 ''Meridian''''' is a fleet of five, six or seven-car diesel-electric multiple-unit high-speed passenger train capable of {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="eversholt"/> Twenty-seven sets were built by Bombardier Transportation in Bruges, Belgium from 2003 to 2005.
The Class 222 is part of the Bombardier Voyager family, bearing a similarity to the {{brc|220|Voyager}} and {{brc|221|Super Voyager}} trains currently operated by CrossCountry and Grand Central. Originally built for Midland Mainline and Hull Trains, today the class is operated by Lumo and East Midlands Railway who brand it ''Meridian''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/intercity |title=InterCity |publisher=East Midlands Railway |access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref>
==Details== All units are equipped with a Cummins QSK19 diesel engine beneath each car, producing {{convert|559|kW|hp|lk=in|abbr=on}} at 1,800{{nbsp}}rpm.<ref name="specs">{{cite web |url=http://www.therailwaycentre.com/New%20DMU%20Tech%20Data%20/DMU_222.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027135438/http://www.therailwaycentre.com/New%20DMU%20Tech%20Data%20/DMU_222.html |title=Class 222 data |work=The Railway Centre |archive-date=27 October 2007 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> This powers a generator, also located beneath the cars, which supplies current to Alstom Onix 800 motors<ref name="specs" /> that drive two axles per coach. Approximately {{convert|1350|mi}} can be travelled between each refuelling.
The Class 222 utilises a rheostatic braking system alongside its air brake system<ref name="specs" />, whereby power to the motors is disconnected, changing their function from motors to generators. The current produced is directed to resistors on the roof, where the electrical energy is dissipated as thermal energy. {{fact|date=February 2026}} This therefore reduces wear on the brake shoes, extending their lifespan. During normal braking, the Class 222 can decelerate from {{convert|60|to|0|mph|abbr=on}} in {{convert|400|m|yd|abbr=on}}. During emergency braking, the distance is reduced to {{convert|350|m|yd|abbr=on}}.<ref name="specs" />
B5000 lightweight bogies were used, the same type as the Class 220 ''Voyager''. The outside of the wheel is fully visible, as the supporting frame and bearings are located inboard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=http://www.bogieoperatorforum.com/fileadmin/Downloads_Member/BT_Datasheets/M_MXXXX_B5000_Virgin_03-11_EN_web.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004081641/http://www.bogieoperatorforum.com/fileadmin/Downloads_Member/BT_Datasheets/M_MXXXX_B5000_Virgin_03-11_EN_web.pdf |archive-date=2011-10-04 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=www.bogieoperatorforum.com}}</ref>
The Class 222 is fitted with Dellner couplers, as on Class 220 ''Voyager'' and Class 221 ''Super Voyager'' trains,<ref name="sd001"/> though these units cannot work in multiple unit during regular service, as the Class 222's electric systems are incompatible with those of the ''Voyager'' and ''Super Voyager''. <ref name="sd001"/> Additionally, the Dellner couplers allow Class 57 'Thunderbird' locomotives to couple and tow Class 222 sets in the case of an emergency.
==Operations== ===Midland region=== [[File:222001 London St Pancras.jpg|thumb|Midland Mainline Class 222 at {{rws|London St Pancras}} in 2008]] [[File:222013 North Wingfield.jpg|thumb|East Midlands Trains Class 222 near Clay Cross in 2009]] With the exception of ''EMR Connect'' services, no route operated by East Midlands Railway is fully electrified. As a result, the majority of its fleet is composed of diesel trains such as the Class 222.
Midland Mainline introduced the first of 23 Class 222 units on 31 May 2004, branding them ''Meridian''. These replaced all the {{brc|170|Turbostars}} and some of the High Speed Trains, having better acceleration than both of them. Initially, the 23 units ordered for Midland Mainline were four-car and nine-car. Over time these have been gradually modified to the current formations. The four-car units ordered by Hull Trains had an option when constructed to be extended to five cars if required.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.railwayherald.com/magazine/download/4 |title=Hull Trains launches Class 222 Meridian fleet |magazine=Railway Herald |issue=4 |date=11 March 2005 |page=2}}</ref>
Seven of the sets were nine-car Class 222 ''Meridians'' intended for an enhanced {{rws|London St Pancras}} to {{rws|Leeds}} service, but after the trains had been ordered, the Strategic Rail Authority decided not to allow them to run the service.<ref name="HSHA">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwatch.org.uk/backtrack/rw104/rw104p02.pdf |title=High Speed Hidden Asset |magazine=Railwatch |publisher=Railfuture |date=July 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826012348/http://www.railwatch.org.uk/backtrack/rw104/rw104p02.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> The nine-car ''Meridians'' were used on London-{{rws|Nottingham}} and some London-{{rws|Sheffield}} services.
When the trains were ordered, Midland Mainline overestimated the number of first-class passengers, and the four-car ''Meridians'' had less standard-class seating than the three-car ''Turbostars'' they replaced. Coach D subsequently had a section of first-class seating declassified for use by standard-class passengers.
At the end of 2006, Midland Mainline removed a carriage from each of the nine-car sets and extended seven of the four-car sets, using the removed carriages.
Following the formation of the new East Midlands rail franchise in November 2007, the entire fleet of Class 222 ''Meridians'' was inherited by East Midlands Trains, which operated the expanded East Midlands rail franchise, including all routes previously run by Midland Mainline.
In 2008 further rearrangements were made to the sets: another carriage was removed from the eight-car ''Meridians'', except for unit 222007, which was reduced to five cars with two of the first-class coaches converted to part standard and part first class.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/emtrains/aboutus/news/#{2243FFDD-C675-4207-9435-9D611E927AA3} |title=Changes to our trains |date=6 June 2008 |publisher=East Midlands Trains |access-date=21 June 2008 |quote=In preparation of our December 2008 timetable where we plan to run additional services we will be moving carriages between trains. Our smaller Meridian trains will get an extra carriage and some larger Meridian trains will lose one. By carrying out this work we will be improving our capacity on our smaller, busy trains in the peak hours where it is needed. Overall, we will reduce overcrowding at peak times. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501060427/http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/emtrains/aboutus/news/#{2243FFDD-C675-4207-9435-9D611E927AA3} |archive-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The surplus coaches were then added to the four-car ''Meridians''. These changes, which took place from March to October 2008, resulted in six seven-car sets (222001–222006) and 17 five-car sets (222007–222023).
The seven-car trains are almost exclusively used on the fast services between London St Pancras and Sheffield. Since the retirement of the HSTs, they have commenced working London St Pancras to Leeds via Sheffield. The five-car trains are mainly used between London St Pancras and Sheffield, Nottingham or Corby on semi-fast services, and at off-peak times. The four-car trains supplement the five-car trains on these services, or can alternatively form standalone services.
In December 2008, the Class 222 ''Meridians'' started work on the hourly London St Pancras to Sheffield services, because they have faster acceleration than the High Speed Trains and so were able to reduce the Sheffield to London journey time by 12 minutes. The hourly Nottingham service was then transferred to High Speed Train running to cover for the ''Meridians'' now working the hourly Sheffield fast service.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/midland.php |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007021313/http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/midland.php |url-status=dead |title=East Midlands Trains FAQ Page |archivedate=7 October 2007}}</ref>
In February 2009, units 222101 and 222102 transferred from Hull Trains to East Midlands Trains, and were quickly repainted in the East Midlands Trains white livery. Unit 222104 followed later in the year, and unit 222103 a further few months later after repairs had been completed: unit 222103 had been out of service for two years since early 2007, when the unit fell from jacks at Bombardier's Crofton works.
In August 2019, following the Department for Transport's awarding of the East Midlands franchise to Abellio, all of the 222 fleet transferred to new operator East Midlands Railway.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}
===Hull services=== [[File:Hugh llewelyn 222 104 (6400796419).jpg|thumb|Hull Trains Class 222 at {{rws|Doncaster}} in 2008]] [[File:222104 Interior.jpg|thumb|right|Hull Trains Standard Class interior]] Hull Trains introduced Class 222 ''Pioneer'' units, to replace its {{brc|170|Turbostars}} in May 2005. The units reduced journey times between Hull and {{rws|London King's Cross}} by up to 20 minutes. The ''Pioneers'' had a different interior colour scheme and less first-class seating than the ''Meridians''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2026}}
First Hull Trains' fleet consisted of four four-car ''Pioneer'' units.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pioneer makes maiden visit to King’s Cross |url=https://www.railnews-business.co.uk/rh7/archive/arc_article.php?doc=2005-04-08%20HUL-001 |website=Railnews Business}}</ref>
First Hull Trains decided to use only {{brc|180}} units from 2009 onwards. The Class 222 units were transferred to East Midlands Trains in 2008/09<ref name="modernrailways2008hulltrains180">{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains starts using 180s |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 591 |date = 7 May 2008 |page = 13}}</ref> and are now branded ''Meridian''.
===Lumo=== thumb|Lumo (West Coast) Class 222 “Meridian” sits at London Euston after arriving on its inaugural revenue earning service from Stirling. In June 2025, Lumo announced that was going to lease 5 six-car Class 222 units. These are to operate a service between {{rws|London Euston}} and {{rws|Stirling|Scotland}},<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1929426631900221515 |user=todaysrailways |title=222s for @LumoTravel and its Stirling service. First Group has announced that Lumo will operate five reformed six-car former EMR 222 sets on its new London Euston-Stirling service when the service starts mid-2026. The 222s are to be replaced by new 810s at EMR |date=2 June 2025 |access-date=2 June 2025 |publisher=Today's Railways UK}}</ref> which was launched on 25 May 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lumo.co.uk/who-we-are/lumonews/lumo-reveals-new-west-coast-service-launch-date |title=Lumo reveals new West Coast service launch date |publisher=Lumo |date=11 May 2026 |access-date=12 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260512220747/https://www.lumo.co.uk/who-we-are/lumonews/lumo-reveals-new-west-coast-service-launch-date |archive-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> As part of the refurbishment, and in line with other Lumo services, CCTV and train dispatch equipment was modified or installed to allow full driver only operation, without a traditional train guard.
==Future operations== All are scheduled to be returned to Eversholt Rail Group in the future once {{brc|810}} units replace them entirely on EMR Intercity services.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=30 July 2019 |title=Abellio orders East Midlands inter-city fleet |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/abellio-orders-east-midlands-inter-city-fleet/54297.article |access-date=5 August 2021 |magazine=Railway Gazette International}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 2020 |title=EMR Bi-Mode Specification Confirmed |magazine=Modern Railways |page=19 |issue=856}}</ref>
On 19 March 2026, ScotRail announced it will lease twenty-two Class 222 units to replace the current HST fleet and will undergo an £80m overhaul and refurbishment programme, with the first train to enter service in late 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ScotRail announces plans to replace high speed trains |url=https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains |access-date=2026-03-19 |website=ScotRail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2026-02-23 |title=ScotRail confirms Class 222s will replace HSTs |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/scotrail-confirms-class-222s-will-replace-hsts |access-date=2026-03-19 |magazine=Modern Railways}}</ref>
==Former proposed operators== ===Enterprise=== In 2005, HSBC Rail took delivery of the seven nine-car trains planned for use by Midland Mainline on its London-Leeds service, but the trains were left idle when the Strategic Rail Authority prevented Midland Mainline from operating this service. HSBC Rail made contact with Northern Ireland Railways and Iarnród Éireann, with a view to their leasing these units for use by Enterprise.<ref>{{cite web |title=NIR News 157 |url=http://www.irrs.ie/Journal%20157/157%20News%20NIR.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119060838/https://irrs.ie/Journal%20157/157%20News%20NIR.htm |archive-date=19 November 2007}}</ref> Using these trains on the Belfast-Dublin line was one of a number of options, which also included the purchase of additional 22000 Class railcars or cascaded coaching stock. In the event, the trains entered service with MML providing the fast services from London to Nottingham, thus releasing High Speed Trains.
===Grand Central=== Grand Central, on the announcement of its open-access operation to {{rws|Sunderland}} in the summer of 2006, planned to run its services using five Class 222 units, with the intention of starting by the end of that year. However, this never happened, pushing back the planned start date while the company looked for alternatives. Grand Central finally started operating in December 2007 using three High Speed Trains.<ref>{{cite journal |date=November 2007 |title=The train now arriving from Sunderland is approximately... one year late |url=http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/nov07business_people.pdf |journal=Rail Professional |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120224640/http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/nov07business_people.pdf |archive-date=20 November 2008}}</ref>
==Refurbishment== East Midlands Trains refurbished its entire Class 222 fleet. The refurbishment included new seat covers and carpets in standard class. First class received new leather seat covers along with a new colour scheme and carpets. The refurbishment started in February 2011 and was complete by spring 2012.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2011 |title=The News in Pictures |url=http://www.railwayherald.org/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue257HIGH.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727200131/http://www.railwayherald.org/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue257HIGH.pdf |archive-date=27 July 2011 |access-date=21 February 2011 |magazine=Railway Herald |page=3 |issue=257}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 February 2011 |title=East Midlands Trains starts work on Meridian train makeover |url=https://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/AboutUs/News/Pages/_EastMidlandsTrainsstartswork.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410041532/https://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/AboutUs/News/Pages/_EastMidlandsTrainsstartswork.aspx |archive-date=10 April 2011 |website=East Midlands Trains}}</ref>
In 2024, East Midlands Railway began a refurbishment programme on its entire Class 222 fleet, the programme mainly involved the refurbishment of the seating in standard class.<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated251" />
== Accidents and incidents == *On 10 June 2006, unit 222009 working 1D17 10:30 London to Sheffield had to be taken out of service due to a door being discovered open at Desborough, Northamptonshire whilst at speed. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report determined that the incident was probably caused by a sequence of events which would not have been possible with a traditional manually operated mechanical door: a combination of a piece of dirt incorporated in the door lock switch during manufacture and a software bug in the door control system allowed the door to remain unlocked after the train called at Luton, but prevented this condition being detected. Deflation and inflation of the pneumatic door seals, initiated automatically by detectors responding to the train stopping and starting at subsequent stations, then gradually prised the door out of its socket until at a point north of Kettering it became able to open. This condition was detected and an automatic brake application initiated, whereupon the inertial forces caused the door to slide open fully; however the indications presented in the driver's cab were ambiguous and were interpreted as caused by faulty systems, and he, therefore, cancelled the brake application. The train was finally halted at Desborough summit after a passenger reported that the door was open.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/RAIB_Desborough2006.pdf |title=RAIB Rail Accident Report – Passenger door open on a moving train near Desborough}}</ref> *On 20 February 2010, unit 222005 working 1F45 14:55 London to Sheffield derailed near East Langton, Leicestershire. Two wheels on Coach E in the middle of the train came off the track; on approaching the site of the derailment the train was travelling at close to {{cvt|100|mph}}. No other wheels derailed and the train remained upright. There were also reports that one or more road vehicles on an adjacent highway were struck and damaged by debris as the derailed train passed.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} 222005 was moved from the site the next day after a replacement bogie was fitted and was for a few months formed of vehicles of 222101 and 222022 including a standard class cab end which was temporarily renumbered until the damaged vehicles were returned to the set in mid-June. The derailment caused damage to the Midland Main Line near Kibworth for a distance of two miles, the line underwent emergency repairs by Network Rail to get the stretch of line back open for start of service on 24 February 2010. The RAIB investigated the incident and found that it was caused by a complete fracture of the axle, due to a bearing stiffening to the point where it would no longer rotate properly. The RAIB recommended that a review of gearbox and axle design be undertaken, and that the Class 222 and similar classes' final drive oil sampling regime be improved.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/547c8ff1e5274a428d00015d/120130_R012012_East_Langton.pdf |pages = 63|title=RAIB Rail Accident Report – Passenger train derailment near East Langton, Leicestershire}}</ref> * On 20 April 2012, at 08:44, an East Midlands Trains Class 222 unit pulled into Nottingham station where both the driver and station staff noticed smoke coming from underneath one of the carriages. The engine underneath the carriage had caught fire from overheating – which occurred due to day-to-day grime which had built up underneath the train and then been heated up by the movement of the wheels. Both the train and the station were evacuated, but there were no injuries.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-17784280 |work=BBC News |title=Nottingham railway station disrupted after engine fire |date=20 April 2012}}</ref> * On 14 February 2016, unit 222005 was in collision with a conveyor boom left foul of the line at Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire. The lead vehicle suffered substantial damage and the driver was shaken but uninjured. No injuries were reported amongst the 85 passengers, although a fitter working on the boom was severely injured. The RAIB determined that poorly maintained electrical components on the wagon conveyor boom caused the boom to rotate further than intended, leaving it fouling the main line.<ref name="ITN180216">{{cite news |url=http://www.itv.com/news/central/2016-02-18/east-midlands-train-gaping-hole-crash-quarry-equipment-leicester-york/ |title=Passenger train left with gaping hole after crash |work=ITN News |date=18 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="RAIB290216">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/collision-at-barrow-on-soar |title=Collision at Barrow-on-Soar |publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch |access-date=29 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/580e11dde5274a67e8000028/R212016_161027_Barrow_upon_Soar.pdf |title=RAIB Rail Accident Report – Collision between a train and a piece of equipment at Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire}}</ref>
==Fleet details== {| class="wikitable" !Class !Operator !Qty.<ref name="eversholt"/><ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last=Pritchard |first=Robert |title=Diesel Multiple Units |publisher=Platform 5 Publishing Ltd |year=2020 |isbn=9781909431638 |edition=34th |location=Sheffield |pages=28}}</ref> !Year built<ref>{{cite book |title=Rail Guide 2010 |last=Marsden |first=Colin J |year=2010 |publisher=Ian Allan |isbn=978-0-7110-3457-0 |pages=31–32}}</ref> !Cars per unit<ref name="eversholt"/> |- ! rowspan="4" |222/0 | rowspan="2" |East Midlands Railway | align="center" |1 | rowspan="6" |2003–2005<ref name=":12"/> | align="center" |7 |- | align="center" |18 | align="center" |5 |- |rowspan="2" |Lumo | align="center" |1<ref name="Rail1056">{{cite magazine |date=4 March 2025 |title=More Class 222s head to Lumo|department=News|magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=1056 |page=12}}</ref> | align="center" |7 |- | align="center" |2<ref name="Rail1056"/> | align="center" |5 |- !222/1 |East Midlands Railway | align="center" |4 | align="center" |5 |- !222/6 |Lumo | align="center" |1<ref name="NewLumostartdate">{{Cite magazine|last=Stubbings|first=David|date=22 April 2026|title= Refurbished Lumo 222 outshopped as first travel date is brought forward|url= https://www.railmagazine.com/news/refurbished-lumo-222-outshopped-as-first-travel-date-is-brought-forward |access-date=23 April 2026|magazine=Rail Magazine|department=News}}</ref> | align="center" |6<ref name="First222/6">{{Cite news |date=5 March 2026|title=First refurbished Lumo Class 222 revealed |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2026/04/first-refurbished-lumo-class-222-revealed.html |access-date=23 April 2026|work=RailAdvent}}</ref> |} ===Named units=== The following ''Meridians'' have been named:
{| class="wikitable" !Unit number !Name !Date named !Named by !Notes |- |align=center|222001 |''The Entrepreneurs Express'' (de-named)<ref name="TRM1500">{{cite magazine |last=Butlin|first=Ashley Update|date=March 2026 |title=Multiple Units|department=Stock Update|magazine=The Railway Magazine |volume=172|issue=1500|page=81}}</ref> |October 2011<ref name="MLI">{{cite magazine |title=220, 221 & 222 fleet list|magazine=Modern Locomotives Illustrated |date=October 2016 |issue=221 |pages=80–82}}</ref> | | |- |align=center|222002 |''The Cutlers' Company'' (de-named)<ref name="TRM1500"/> |October 2011<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222003 |''Tornado'' (de-named)<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Russell |first=David |title=Depot Talk |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |issue=309 |date=February 2022 |page=28}}</ref> |March 2009<ref name="MLI"/> |Tim Shoveller, East Midlands Trains Managing Director |Driving car 60163 named as it has the same number as ''Tornado'' |- |align=center|222004 |''Children's Hospital Sheffield'' (de-named)<ref name="TRM1500"/> (formerly ''City of Sheffield'')<ref name="MLI"/> |February 2013 as ''Children's Hospital Sheffield'', March 2007 as ''City of Sheffield''<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222005 |''City of Nottingham'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |February 2007<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222006 |''The Carbon Cutter'' (formerly ''Leicester'')<ref name="MLI"/> |May 2011 as ''The Carbon Cutter'', March 2007 as ''City of Leicester''<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222007 |''City of Derby'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |May 2007<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222008 |''Derby Etches Park''<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title=The network's notable moves|department=Operations News|magazine=The Railway Magazine|volume=171|issue=1497|date=December 2025|pages=80-85}}</ref> |September 2009<ref name="MLI"/> | |Named after Derby Etches Park depot |- |align=center|222011 |''Sheffield City Battalion 1914-1918'' (de-named)<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Russell|first=David|title=Shed Talk|department=Units|magazine=Rail Express |issue=294|date=November 2020 |page=31 }}</ref> |November 2014<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222015 |''175 Years of Derby's Railways 1839-2014''<ref name="MLI"/> |November 2014<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222017 |Lions Club International Centenary 1917-2017 (de-named)<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Russell |first=David |title=Depot Talk |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |issue=310 |date=March 2022 |page=31}}</ref> | | |To mark the centenary of Lions Club International |- |align=center|222022 |''Invest in Nottingham''<ref name="MLI"/> |September 2011<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222023 |''Spirt of Derby'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> | | | |- |align=center|222101 |''Professor George Gray'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |June 2005<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222102 |''Professor Stuart Palmer'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |June 2005<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222103 |''Dr John Godber'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |September 2005<ref name="MLI"/> | | |- |align=center|222104 |''Sir Terry Farrell'' (de-named)<ref name="MLI"/> |September 2005<ref name="MLI"/> | | |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== *{{cite book |title=Traction Recognition |first=Colin J. |last=Marsden |publisher=Ian Allan |edition=2nd |year=2011 |pages=168–171 |isbn=9780711034945 |oclc=751525080}}
== External links == {{Commons category|British Rail Class 222}}
{{Bombardier Voyager}} {{British Rail DMU}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
222 Category:Bombardier Transportation multiple units Category:High-speed trains of the United Kingdom Category:Train-related introductions in 2004 Category:Passenger trains running at least at 200 km/h in commercial operations