Among the various works continuing at Market Harborough station is the re-siting of the bus stop from the forecourt to the main car park entrance on the east side of the station.  Though labelled for rail replacement buses, the stop is also served by the regular Centrebus route 44 linking Foxton, Harborough town centre, Great Bowden, the Langtons, Kibworth and Fleckney.   As shown in the picture below, the new stop has a shelter.  Other modifications to the forecourt include pick-up and drop-off spaces, staff car-parking, and the long-overdue removal of the pay + display ticket machine.  Further changes are expected once the temporary toilet block is removed, when the new permanent toilets are opened on Platform 1. 

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. 

Major engineering work usually takes place on a Sunday, with train services replaced where necessary by buses.  The improvements to the line including preparations for electrification have meant Sunday closures through Market Harborough and this is likely to continue from time to time over the next few years. However, on recent occasions, the first northbound bus from Market Harborough did not arrive in Leicester until 12:24, missing the first five northbound train departures!
This is both a poor service and a missed business opportunity.  Following representations made to East Midlands Trains, they have undertaken to look into improving rail-replacement services between Bedford and stations to Leicester on Sundays in future so as to connect into the first northbound train at 10:20*.  We are grateful to EMT for this.
* The 1020 from Leicester goes to York, arriving at 12:15 and returning at 17:50 to arrive in Leicester at 19:55.  A good opportunity for a day out!