East Midlands Railway is urging passengers to check their journeys ahead of new timetable changes coming into effect on 14 December. The operator says the updated schedule will bring a series of improvements across the region, supporting long-term growth and contributing an estimated £2.4 million a year in wider economic benefits. The changes are also designed to strengthen the financial sustainability of EMR and its parent company Transport UK, while improving the overall customer experience.

Managing Director Will Rogers said:

"This timetable brings many changes to the way we operate our regional services and to make sure they don't miss their service, customers are advised to visit our website or journey planners and check to see how they are affected. The timetable is great news for our customers and the economy of the East Midlands. It makes best use of our available fleet and will be supported by our £28 million regional refurbishment programme, delivering a more comfortable and consistent customer experience. It will realise opportunities to operate more train services across the Regional network, introduce new journey opportunities, and build-in performance improvements."

Among the most notable upgrades are significant increases in capacity. EMR says more than 2,000 additional seats will be available on weekday services to and from Lincoln, rising to more than 3,000 on Saturdays. The timetable also introduces new direct journey opportunities, including links from Matlock to Cleethorpes and Crewe to Lincoln.

Local stations across the network are set to benefit from revised calling patterns, with more trains serving Hykeham, Burton Joyce, Radcliffe, Attenborough and Spondon. EMR believes the overhaul will provide a more reliable and better-connected regional service, as well as unlocking new opportunities for travel within the East Midlands.

Image: East Midlands Railway