East Coast has announced a number of amendments for the planned introduction of a new timetable from May 2011.
Under the amendments to the Eureka! timetable, most of the planned new London King’s Cross/Lincoln services will now operate between King’s Cross and Newark, with one through train per day in each direction between Lincoln and King’s Cross.
Seven weekday trains in each direction had been planned for the new Lincoln/London King’s Cross services, using an additional new fleet of trains (five Adelante Class 180s). East Coast will now not introduce this new fleet, and will instead use its existing trains to operate a modified service pattern which will include a single direct service from Lincoln. This service is planned to depart Lincoln at 07.22, and arrive at King’s Cross at 09.21 (calling at Newark, Grantham, Peterborough, Stevenage, and London King’s Cross). During the evening peak, a single direct service is planned to leave King’s Cross at 19.06, and arrive at Lincoln at 21.00.
Four additional services will be available in each direction between Newark and London King’s Cross, provided by East Coast’s nine-carriage trains, and providing valuable extra capacity on this busy route. These will link to connecting services between Newark and Lincoln.
We know this will come as a disappointment to many people, especially to those in Lincoln who were looking forward to a much improved direct service to London. We had believed the proposed new Lincoln services would provide more through trains for customers from the region – and this formed an important part of the Eureka! timetable changes. However, given the very tough economic climate, all parts of the Government are looking to see where efficiencies can be made.
During February, March and April 2010 we undertook a major route-wide consultation as we developed our Eureka! timetable. We got some great feedback from more than 1,500 people - thank you to all of you who have sent in your views. We’ve also worked closely with Passenger Focus, the industry’s watchdog, and other groups to encourage feedback.
Network Rail is developing the timetable for the East Coast route on behalf of the rail industry.
East Coast will keep you updated on its progress before it’s launched in May 2011.