East Midlands Railway increases services from Derby to Crewe by 33%

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is to increase the number of trains it runs between Derby and Crewe by a third from Monday, September 7.

The increase is part of a larger uplift in services which will see EMR expands its complete timetable to approximately 97% of its ‘normal’ or pre-Covid timetable across its network.

This is timed to coincide with the reopening of schools and an expected increase in the number of customers travelling and will provide more journey options and help to aid social distancing.

As a result, there are some minor changes to the current timetable and customers should check their journey before setting off.

In addition, EMR is also determined to continue the high levels of punctuality delivered in recent months. As a result, the majority of EMR services will no longer call at Alsager, with the exception of the first and last trains of the day and any services which are relied upon by those travelling to school or college.

West Midlands Trains services to Crewe and Birmingham New Street will continue to serve the station every hour and agreements are in place to reinstate EMR services in the event of disruption.

Further details and timetables are available on the East Midlands Railway website.

To help customers plan ahead, EMR also provides a Seat Finder Tool with the latest data so passengers can check how busy their journey is likely to be. The tool can be found on its website.

Customers must continue to wear a face covering, unless they are exempt. Anyone who refuses to wear one is liable to be fined £100. In addition, EMR will continue the enhanced cleaning regime introduced in March and will also continue to provide hot water and soap on board all trains as well as providing sanitiser at its 15 busiest stations.

Chris Wright, Commercial Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “As schools and businesses reopen across the country, we are doing everything we can to provide as much capacity as possible across our network.

“This includes a 33% increase in services between Derby and Crewe which will help to aid social distancing where possible, as well as provide more journey opportunities for our customers. 

“There are some changes to our timetable to allow these extra trains so I would urge our customers to check their journey before they set off as well as being mindful of other customers and our staff while they are travelling with us.”