East Midlands Railway reminds passengers to only use public transport for essential journeys

East Midlands Railway (EMR) passengers are being asked to heed Government advice and only use public transport for essential journeys – ahead of the introduction of additional social distancing measures and a new timetable.  

New social distancing information is being added at all EMR stations and on trains in the coming days and weeks. Passengers will be also asked to maintain a safe and sensible distance from other passengers and staff and follow the guidance provided at all times.  In line with updated Government advice, passengers may also wish to wear face coverings while travelling.

To help support social distancing and ensure the rail industry is doing everything it can to support the UK at this critical time, a new timetable will also be introduced on Monday 18^th May.

Overall, it will provide an increase in service level of approximately 20 % - meaning EMR will be operating approximately 80% of its ‘normal’ or ‘full’ timetable.

However, to maintain social distancing the available space for passengers is greatly reduced and it is therefore absolutely vital passengers continue to follow Government travel advice and only travel by public transport if it is absolutely necessary.

Passengers who need to travel by train should check their journey before leaving, leave extra time to pass through the station, use contactless payment and, if at all possible, travel at quieter times of the day.

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “I am very grateful for the cooperation of our passengers and the hard work and commitment of our staff right across the country in recent weeks. This has been an unprecedented period for all of us.

“Our new timetable will allow a small increase in the number of passengers we can accommodate. However, we urge everyone to only go by train if it is necessary and keep public transport for key workers and those who must travel.

“To help, we will be providing extra information and guidance at all 91 of our stations and on our trains. I would urge everyone travelling to be mindful of each other and maintain a safe and sensible distance.”

To plan your journey visit https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/covid-19

East Midlands Railway timetable summary

EMR Intercity

2 Trains Per Hour to and from Sheffield:

• 1 Fast Service
• 1 Semi-Fast Service

2 Trains Per Hour to and from Nottingham

• 1 Fast Service
• 1 Semi-Fast Service

An 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

Circa 80 % of services will operate Monday to Saturday, with selected off-peak reductions compared to normal.

Services on all routes will operate throughout the normal hours of operation, with early and late services reinstated on routes where limited opening hours are currently in place.

Liverpool-Norwich services will re-commence operating between Sheffield and Liverpool, with a small number of off-peak cancellations on the route.

Services between Nottingham and Worksop will operate hourly, calling at all intermediate stations.

Sunday services will continue to operate at current reduced levels.

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