New Train Troubles Blamed for Market Harborough Rail Disruption

East Midlands Railway has acknowledged the problems, blaming delays to the rollout of its new Aurora train fleet and a series of technical issues affecting trains already in service.

A shortage of rolling stock is also contributing to the disruption. Some ageing high-speed trains have already been withdrawn and transferred to another operator, leaving fewer trains available while EMR waits for more of the new units to be delivered.

Many services are operating with fewer carriages, leading to overcrowding and, in some cases, passengers being unable to find seats.

Harborough councillor Peter James said the situation was becoming increasingly frustrating for passengers, with some choosing to travel via alternative routes because they no longer trust services through Market Harborough.

He spoke to HFM after experiencing cramped conditions while travelling to London:

Aurora train at Market Harborough Railway Station Pic: Steve Jones

The bi-mode trains, which can operate using both diesel and electric power, are replacing the ageing High Speed Train fleet on the Midland Main Line following electrification between Kettering, Market Harborough and Wigston.

Passengers have reported faults with the new trains including train doors failing to open correctly and software problems that can cause all toilets on a train to lock out simultaneously. In response, engineers from manufacturer Hitachi Rail are now travelling on some services in an effort to identify and resolve issues as they arise.

The ageing existing high speed fleet is also becoming unreliable with faults forcing trains out of service.

The problems have prompted Harborough MP Neil O’Brien to write to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, expressing concern about the level of service being provided and calling for compensation for affected passengers. An annual season ticket between Market Harborough and London now costs more than £10,000.

Steve Jones, chair of the Harborough Rail Users Group, said the disruption was having a significant impact on passengers travelling to and from the town:

Market Harborough Railway Station

EMR says 12 Aurora trains have now been delivered, with six currently in passenger service and the remainder being used for testing, maintenance and driver training ahead of a wider rollout.

An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “We recognise the frustration customers have been feeling recently and acknowledge that services have not always been up to the standards they rightly expect.

“Several factors have contributed to this, including the recent hot weather and delays by Hitachi Rail in delivering our new Class 810 Aurora trains to schedule. As a result, on some days we are operating with fewer trains for service, and that has had a real impact on our customers.

“Our teams have been doing everything possible to lessen the impact by making the best use of the available fleet, managing capacity across the network and liaising closely with Network Rail colleagues to keep services moving safely and reliably.

“We are pressing Hitachi Rail to resolve the delivery issues and improve the reliability of our Intercity trains as quickly as possible.”

Hitachi Rail has been approached for comment.