The long-awaited blockade of the line through Market Harborough started this morning, 28th May.  The line is now closed until Monday 3rd June, when the new platforms are due to open.  Day 1 of the blockade has seen the old track through the station lifted and the old platforms largely demolished, with the sleepers for the new down line (northbound) now laid along the new alignment to where it joins the existing line.  It is a scene of busy activity, as the picture above shows (old track on the left, new track on the right).  The rail replacement bus service, every 15 minutes to both Kettering and Leicester, has operated smoothly.  The station car park is free of charge for the duration of the blockade, and passengers are also offered free hot drinks and buns from the Engine Room cafe van in the car park. 
A good start to this complex and important project!

HRU Chair Steve Jones met EMT's Stakeholder Manager Laura Etheridge at Market Harborough station on 13th May.  The main purpose of the meeting was to consider the forthcoming six-day blockade at Market Harborough, when the station will be closed to allow the new track alignment and platforms to be connected up.  We discussed the arrangements for replacement buses, including the need for earlier first buses to Leicester and Kettering and a later last bus from Kettering to allow a later last connecting train departure from St Pancras than 22:00. (Three later trains are scheduled, but no onward bus for these from Kettering to Market Harborough.)
Other matters discussed included:

• The new franchise, now confirmed by the DfT as starting on 18th August, with Abellio.  EMT are working towards a smooth handover.
• Rolling stock.  The HSTs are to receive some modifications to allow them to meet accessibility regulations sufficiently for them to continue in operation into 2020. Other rolling stock decisions are the responsibility of Abellio as the new operator.
• May 2019 timetable.  Little change for us, though there are a few minor re-timings and our 18:19 from St Pancras becomes an HST to relieve overcrowding.  HRU are also seeking earlier first trains northbound on Sundays and southbound on Saturday evenings; ironically, recent engineering work has provided these and people do use them.
• Cycle parking, including the proposed cycle hub and the need for 'open access' cycle parking.  We also considered the temporary bike parking currently in place.
• Cricket World Cup: 30th May - 14th July.  As some matches will be held at Trent Bridge, the Midland Main Line is expected to be very busy with fans travelling to and from Nottingham. EMT are planning for this, including how to cope during the Market Harborough blockade!

Abellio has been confirmed by the Department for Transport as the new operator for the East Midlands franchise, starting on 18th August 2019.  This follows the 'standstill' period after they were announced as the winning bidder.  In a press statement issued on 9th May, Abellio said:
"Abellio will invest £600 million including: brand new bi-mode intercity trains between the East Midlands, the North and London; a high-quality, dedicated, electric train service between London, Luton Airport and Corby; and the introduction of faster, modern, refurbished trains across the whole network. This investment will also see transformed stations, improved ticketing and accessibility, enhanced training and benefits for employees, including 30 new apprenticeships each year for young people.   There will be closer working with Network Rail to maximise the benefits of the ongoing £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade."
We look forward to meeting Abellio at an early stage, and working with them as they replace the train fleet and participate in the upgrade of the Midland Main Line.