Covid-19 impact on rail services - update from East Midlands Rail

Published: 20 March 2020

As you will be well aware, the Coronavirus pandemic is an almost unprecedented situation in the UK and is having an enormous impact on every aspect of our lives.

The railway is not exempt from the effects of the virus but also has a critical role to play in supporting the country at this difficult time. This includes helping vital key workers continue to travel as well as responsibly following government guidance to fight the spread of the virus.

On Monday 23rd March, East Midlands Railway, in partnership with the rest of the UK rail industry, will introduce a reduced timetable.

This will come into effect from the start of service and remain in place indefinitely.

East Midlands Railway’s timetable will see a significant reduction in service frequency but, in partnership with our neighbouring train operators, will ensure all stations and lines of route remain open. It will also protect morning and evening commuting periods.

The service level will deliver more than enough seats to meet the current demand levels and the timetable will be kept under regular review to react to any further developments.

Downloadable timetables will be available on the EMR website later today and online journey planners will reflect the reduced timetable on Sunday.

In the meantime, we have produced a short summary of how your route will be affected below:

EMR Intercity

One train per hour to and from Sheffield, calling at:

• Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester & London St Pancras International

One train per hour to and from Nottingham, calling at:

• Nottingham, Beeston, Loughborough, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton Airport Parkway & London St Pancras International

One hourly shuttle service between Corby and Kettering to connect with Midland Main Line services.

Note: Calling patterns may differ during AM and PM peak periods.

EMR Regional

There will be a general reduction in frequency across EMR regional services.

Liverpool-Norwich will only operate between Sheffield and Norwich. Passengers travelling between Sheffield and Liverpool can travel on neighbouring train operators.

Services on Derby to Crewe, Nottingham to Skegness, the Robin Hood Line and east of Nottingham will start slightly later and finish slightly earlier than normal. However, typical morning and evening peak periods will be protected. These lines are operated by legacy signalling and the curtailed working day is to give the best possible chance for our partners at Network Rail to continue to operate the signalling systems.

As I am sure you will agree; the hard work and dedication of everyone at EMR and the wider rail industry, is something we can all be immensely proud of. Our people are working round the clock, in worrying and challenging circumstances to ensure we continue to provide a vital service for our passengers and wider communities.

Transport