The Big Timetable Change: Transport UK and EMR reveals significant changes to regional timetable, providing a major boost to Derbyshire

Transport UK and East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced significant improvements to its regional timetable serving Derby, including more frequent Sunday services to and from Matlock, two direct trains an hour to Lincoln, and a new extended route connecting Matlock with Cleethorpes.

The timetable, which will come into effect from Sunday 14 December, brings a range of improvements to services across Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands - delivering wider economic benefits of £2.4 million a year and helping to drive long-term growth across the region.

It also provides a strong financial case for the railway, supporting Transport UK and EMR’s sustainability while enhancing the customer experience.

The regional timetable has been designed around a robust hourly connection with London St Pancras, ensuring a smoother experience for long-distance travellers. Customers can also expect a more reliable and resilient timetable, with better connections at Derby.

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: "Since EMR began operating, under Transport UK in 2019, we’ve increased the number of train carriages serving our Regional routes by 50%. This timetable builds on this and makes best use of our available fleet and will be supported by our £28 million regional refurbishment programme, delivering a more comfortable and consistent customer experience.

"These changes are a huge win for Derbyshire, providing better connections for residents, businesses, and tourists. The timetable supports the county's vibrant economy and its appeal as a destination for leisure travel.

"We are making it easier than ever to get around Derbyshire and beyond. With two direct services an hour connecting Derby to Lincoln, we are significantly strengthening ties between these two important cities. We've also added more frequent services on the Matlock-Derby-Nottingham route, an earlier departure from Ambergate, and a new direct route from the Peak District to the seaside at Cleethorpes.

"The uplift in services at Spondon, with regular hourly calls, is a particularly significant step, improving access to employment, education, and leisure.

“This is an exciting time for our region and a clear example of how we are working to evolve how we operate services in Derbyshire. Working as part of Transport UK Group, we are committed to continually improving journeys for our customers and investing in the future of regional rail travel.”

Some of the key changes in the regional timetable include:

• Two direct services between Derby and Lincoln (stopping at Nottingham) per hour during the week and Saturdays and one train an hour on Sunday
  
  
• The revised timetable includes more frequent Sunday services on the Matlock–Derby–Nottingham route - delivering an increase of three extra services in each direction from Ambergate and two from Matlock
  
  
• A new direct route from the countryside to the seaside has also been introduced, with the option to travel directly from Matlock to Cleethorpes
  
  
• A new 06:59 departure from Ambergate will also provide an earlier start for passengers heading towards Cleethorpes and the wider Lincolnshire coast, - on weekdays and Saturdays, while the last weekday service to Matlock, calling at Derby, will now depart Nottingham at 22:09, offering better options for evening travel
  
  
• Spondon receives a major uplift in service, with the introduction of regular hourly calls throughout the week – including a Sunday service
  
  
• Improved connections at Derby for customers travelling to and from Crewe and Birmingham

For full details of the December timetable changes customers should visit: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/the-big-timetable-change