Introducing Barton-on-Humber, a new route for East Midlands Railway

East Midlands Railway (EMR) welcomed a brand-new route to their network on Sunday 16th May, Barton-on-Humber. The line was previously operated by Northern and staffed by TransPennine Express (TPE), offering a two-hourly service between Barton-on-Humber to Grimsby Town and Cleethorpes, covering 23 miles of picturesque north Lincolnshire countryside.

On the route there’s 14 stations in total that provide a critical connecting service to those who live there.  EMR will operate services to 12 of these stations, with an estimated annual footfall of approximately 150,000 people. Grimsby Town and Cleethorpes will continue to be operated by TPE.

As part of a new timetable, which launched the same day as the transfer, EMR will provide improved connections, more seats and increased journey options for its regional passengers. The Barton-on-Humber route benefits from direct services from Leicester to Lincoln extending to Grimsby Town every two hours during off peak hours on weekdays.

Also, the previous summer Sunday services between Nottingham and Cleethorpes will now run throughout the year.

EMR will continue to work closely with Northern, TPE, Network Rail, Rail North Partnership and the DfT on the transfer. Initially, TPE will provide the train crew on the 153 units, until December 2021, when EMR intend to use 156's on this route, with service delivery supported by Freight Operating Company’s (FOCs) up to May 2022. EMR will look to introduce class 170’s on to the route as soon as possible.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for EMR said: “The introduction of the Barton-on-Humber route represents an exciting chapter for EMR.

“We are working with industry stakeholders on a plan to provide our new passengers great customer experience when travelling with EMR which will bring significant changes to the communities we serve, giving our new passengers the great customer experience they can expect from travelling with EMR.

“There will be a short changeover period with different fleets and the transfer of train crews. We want our passengers to feel rest assured that they can speak to our team at EMR who can help with any queries they have about the transfer. Full details can be found on our website: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/cleethorpes-barton.”

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are delighted the Barton-on-Humber to Cleethorpes train service has transferred to East Midlands Railway.

“It is great to see their commitment with additional investment into the area to improve local train stations and the train service for all those that use it. 

“The council is committed to working in partnership with East Midlands Railway and the Barton Cleethorpes Community Rail Partnership to improve the overall passenger experience.”

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “East Midlands Railway’s investment in the area’s rail network is another fantastic boost for our region.

“This injection of cash will further enhance the experience of passengers on the longstanding Barton-upon-Humber to Cleethorpes line - a real favourite among local people.

“This is an important, well-used route – not only for connecting people to friends, families and services in many of our scenic rural communities, but also supporting our visitor economy, enabling people to visit tourist locations like Thornton Abbey.

“The investment comes at an exciting time for our rail network, following the Restoring Your Railway Ideas Fund panel’s backing for the first stage of our application to commission a study to improve train services between Barton and Gainsborough.”

The partnership became a Community Rail line in February 2007 as part of a pilot scheme to encourage rail travel and promote tourism by hosting events at stations, on trains and meeting regularly to discuss improvements.

Gillian Simpson, CRP Officer for the Barton Line said:  “Our vision was, and still is to create and maintain a vibrant and busy train service that links Barton upon Humber to Cleethorpes and its intermediate stations, encouraging people to live in, work in and visit North & North East Lincolnshire.

“We will be working with EMR to continue to deliver our vision across the communities that they serve.”

The BCCRP members volunteer their time to help improve the general look and feel of their local stations along with supporting local businesses and tourism attractions. Each year the BCCRP supports many events including Armed Forces Day in Cleethorpes, hosts an annual Santa Train and advocates accessible travel for all.

You can find out more by visiting https://www.bccrp.co.uk/.

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