East Midlands Trains franchise extension

It is now nearly seven years since Harborough Rail Users ran a successful campaign to protect our twice-hourly off-peak rail service during the franchise negotiations that saw East Midlands Trains supersede Midland Mainline. In doing so we also achieved the additional benefit of an hourly non-stop train to London as part of the off-peak service. It was an exceptional result and came about primarily from the coordinated efforts of HRU and, in turn, the local community pulling behind our campaign. It’s therefore with great interest that we read recently about the extension that has been given to several rail franchise holders – particularly the East Midlands Trains franchise, scheduled to run until April 2015 but extended to October 2017.
 
As a result of this we have written a letter to the Department for Transport and East Midlands Trains asking the following:

• To ask what improvements for passengers are proposed for the duration of the extended franchise, and when they will happen
• Asking what consultation there will be with passengers and user groups on this
• Reiterating the call for improvements at MH station, and expressing the hope that the franchise extension does not delay this or other improvements
• Asking for confirmation that at least the present pattern of services, including fast trains between MH and St Pancras be maintained for the duration.