Buses replacing late-night trains at Market Harborough

In the new timetable starting on 12th December 2021, the last three Intercity trains from St Pancras on weekdays (23:05, 23:35 and 00:15 from St Pancras) are diverted via Corby, with bus connections from Kettering for Market Harborough.  This is to allow for overnight engineering work in connection with electrifying the line from Kettering.  As this arrangement is in place for the whole of the present timetable and beyond, we in Harborough Rail Users queried this with EMR.  They have confirmed that it is planned to continue at least until December 2023.  In the circumstances, it is understandable, and we hope the lengthy duration reflects the anticipated continuation of electrification beyond Market Harborough, as promised in the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan. 

On the buses.  Rail replacement buses wait at Market Harborough for services to Kettering and Leicester on 18th December 2021 during a weekend line closure for engineering work.  Late night trains at Market Harborough during the week are  diverted via Corby, with bus connections from Kettering, until the end of next year at least.
​Photo: Steve Jones