Coronavirus: Fewer train services will be operating through Harborough

East Midlands Railway will be operating fewer mainline trains through Market Harborough from Monday March 23.

Thousands of commuters across Leicestershire will be offered a reduced service amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The cutbacks are kicking in as part of a national scheme agreed between the rail industry and the Government.

They are acting to reflect reduced demand and ensure vital services for key workers can continue to run throughout the current emergency.

The new slimmed-down timetable will remain in place until further notice and will be kept under constant review, said East Midlands Railway.

Will Rogers, Managing Director, East Midlands Railway, said: “This is an unprecedented global issue and it is important the railway continues to play its vital role in helping key workers continue to travel safely and reliably.

“Our reduced timetable reflects the significant reduction in demand and reduces the requirements on front line staff.

“But, in partnership with neighbouring operators, we will still maintain rail services for all of the stations we serve and provide a reliable and carefully-planned service.”

He added: “I would also like to recognise the extraordinary hard work and dedication of everyone here at EMR, who alongside many other frontline workers, are working around the clock to keep the country moving during these challenging times.”

Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “At a time of extraordinary national challenge the measures rail companies are putting in place with the government will preserve services so that we can continue to get key workers to where they need to be, deliver food to supermarkets and get fuel to power stations.”

He added: “This is not a decision we take lightly.

“However, implementing these measures now will mean that we can continue to operate trains over a prolonged period with fewer railway workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.

"We are monitoring demand closely.

“Should it become necessary in the weeks ahead, we will adjust services and timetables to ensure they’re being delivered to best effect where they’re needed most, in accordance with our plan.

“We would advise anybody who has to travel to check the time of their train on the National Rail Enquiries website before they set out.”

To find out more about the reduced timetable visit https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/reduced-timetable

Downloadable timetables are expected to be available on the EMR website later on Friday and online journey planners will reflect the reduced timetable from Sunday.

Here is a brief summary of the changes planned:

EMR Intercity

1 Train Per Hour to and from Sheffield, calling at:

- Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester & London St Pancras International

1 Train Per Hour to and from Nottingham, calling at:

- Nottingham, Beeston, Loughborough, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton Airport Parkway & London St Pancras International

1 Hourly shuttle service between Corby and Kettering to connect with Midland Main Line services.

Note: Calling patterns may differ slightly during AM and PM peak periods.

EMR Regional

There will be a general reduction in frequency across EMR Regional services.

Liverpool-Norwich will only operate between Sheffield and Norwich.

Passengers travelling between Sheffield and Liverpool can travel on neighbouring train operators.

Services between Derby and Crewe, Nottingham and Skegness, on the Robin Hood Line and east of Nottingham will start slightly later and finish slightly earlier than normal. However, typical morning and evening peak periods will be protected.

These lines are operated by legacy signalling.

The slightly shorter working day is to give the best possible chance for Network Rail to continue to operate the signalling systems in the event staff are affected.