June 17, 2010 10.02 pm This story is over 165 months old

Lincoln to London direct train line scrapped

Cancelled plans: Plans for additional direct train links between Lincoln and London have been cancelled.

East Coast Trains announced on Thursday that due to financial amendments there will no longer be a new direct line from Lincoln Central to London King’s Cross.

The train operator said it would save £9 million per year by cancelling the Eureka! train plans — preferring to keep the service operating between King’s Cross and Newark and one train a day, in each direction, between Lincoln and King’s Cross.

Therefore, it will no longer be necessary to add five (Adelante Class 180s) additional trains through the city, East Coast Trains claims.

Elaine Holt, the Chairman of East Coast, said: “I know this will come as a disappointment to many people, especially to those in Lincoln who were looking forward to a much improved direct service to London.

“We had believed the proposed new Lincoln services would provide more [direct] trains for customers from the region – and this formed an important part of the Eureka! timetable changes. However, given the very tough economic climate, all parts of the Government are looking to see where efficiencies can be made.

However, four additional nine-carriage East Coast trains will be added to the Newark to London King’s Cross in both directions, and will link to connecting services between Newark and Lincoln.

For those wanting to use the current Lincoln to London King’s Cross train, the morning service departs at 7.22am (arriving in London at 9.21am), and the evening service departs London at 7.06pm, arriving in Lincoln at 9pm.

— Update @ 10:30 on June 18th: Comment from Karl McCartney, the Lincoln MP:

“I will be seeking an urgent meeting with East Coast Trains so they can fully explain the reasons behind this move and when in the future they will be putting the service in place,” said McCartney.

“I view this as a delay not a cancellation and I will not let this matter rest because Lincoln needs a direct regular service to London.”

Source: East Coast Trains via Railway Eye | Photo: Adam Rhodes | Related reports: BBC, Lincolnshire Echo