HRU meets EMT at Market Harborough - 13th May 2019

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!