June 28, 2011 4.29 pm This story is over 153 months old

New direct London train proves popular

Direct line: An average of 59 people per journey are using the new direct train to London from Lincoln Central.
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney with East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell at the launch of the service

The new direct train from Lincoln to London operated by East Coast is proving popular among city travellers, since the service began on May 23.

Official East Coast figures show a higher than expected use of the service, with an average of 59 people per journey using the service departing from Lincoln Central.

The return service from London King’s Cross has seen an average of 389 people using the train, with more people from other places such as Newark and Peterborough also using the service.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney met with Elaine Holt of East Coast Trains at the House of Commons on Tuesday to receive the usage figures:

“Strong travel links with cities such as London are vital for Lincoln’s economy and I hope that following the success of this service, we will work with East Coast to see more trains to London and other key areas introduced in the future.

“While welcoming these passenger numbers, I hope the people of Lincolnshire will continue to support this service in the coming months, taking advantage of offers such as the £25 first class tickets available if booked in advance,” McCartney added.

East Coast spokesman John Gelson said: “We’re very encouraged by the positive response to our new services to and from Lincoln. The direct trains have got off to a good start and have been well received by customers.

“We are working hard to publicise the new services and look forward to more people trying the direct trains for themselves – and, we hope, becoming regular travellers with us.

“The new timetable represents the biggest change to the East Coast route in a generation. It has delivered more services, more seats and a much improved pattern of services for millions of passengers – and of course the new direct Lincoln services.”