New Company To Run Trains

Dutch firm Abellio has been awarded the franchise to run train services through Market Harborough from August this year until 2027.

They will take over from East Midlands Trains, who have operated them since 2007.

Although owner Stagecoach had bid to continue running the franchise, it was disqualified from the bidding, due to an issue over pensions.

The Department of Transport say Abellio, who will run services under the name East Midlands Railway, will introduce new trains, including replacing the existing aging intercity fleet with “more reliable and comfortable” trains.

The firm says it will implement an 80% increase in the number of morning peak seats into Nottingham, Lincoln and St Pancras and introduce a new express service from Corby into London.

Abellio will also introduce free wifi and trial hydrogen fuel cell trains on the Midland Main Line and will run zero-carbon pilots at 6 stations along the route.