Meeting with EMR over train cancellations

In the first few months of 2026, train cancellations have been a significant problem at Market Harborough.  This is partly the result of the delayed introduction of our new Class 810 Aurora bi-mode trains, especially as the first five of our Class 222 Meridian diesel trains have already been transferred away for another operator.  The depleted fleet and insufficient new trains have left EMR with a shortage of rolling stock on the main line.    
Some services have often been cancelled.  Our 06:18 to Nottingham on weekdays is an example.  To be fair, EMR sometimes - though not always - add extra stops on adjacent fast trains that are running.  For example, when our 06:18 to Nottingham is cancelled, the 05:27 St Pancras to Sheffield may call here at about 06:25, which is a good alternative, with connections from Long Eaton to Nottingham.  
However, cancellations reached such level that we wrote to EMR expressing serious concern.  For example, 9 of our 70 trains, nearly 13%, on 25th March.  If the shortage of rolling stock is such that the published timetable simply cannot be delivered, it would be better to withdraw some services temporarily than have random cancellations.  People could then plan their journeys with more certainty.
In response, EMR invited Steve Jones, Chair of Harborough Rail Users, to a meeting with their Commercial Director at their Derby HQ on 9th April 2026.  This was a very constructive meeting, at which our concerns and EMR’s responses were discussed.  We have been in correspondence since on this and other topics affecting users of Market Harborough station.  These topics include:

• the persistent late arrival into St Pancras of our first two trains on Sunday mornings;
• management of disruption and information given to passengers when things do go wrong, as they inevitably will from time to time;
• engineering work and the related temporary timetables and rail-replacement buses; and
• the corrosion on the footbridge. 

EMR are looking into all of these matters.

Mind the Gap.  A Class 810 Aurora train calls at Market Harborough on 29th April 2026 with a service for St Pancras.  Despite several of these now being in service, cancellations are still resulting in gaps in the train service here.  Photo: Steve Jones.