London trains boost for Sheffield
THE number of services on the busy train route between Sheffield and London is to double next month, potentially boosting the city's economy by millions of pounds.
East Midlands Trains, which runs the line from Sheffield to London via Chesterfield, Derby and Leicester, is to put on two trains each hour – up from the current hourly service.
Development chiefs say the changes, which come into operation on Monday December 14, could generate an annual 3 million for the Sheffield economy.
Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said the new trains would bring new jobs and business to the city.
He said: "Sheffield will now be able to compete on a level playing field with other cities in the UK.
"As well as the obvious financial benefit of twice as many Sheffield to London passengers using Sheffield station, we also expect to see an additional 2m to 3m being generated annually in the local economy in jobs and investment."
David Young, of South Yorkshire Transport Executive, said: "These new train services follow a number of years' lobbying and prioritising funds.
"Despite being the country's fourth largest city, Sheffield has lagged behind other major urban centres in having good links to London."
Tim Shoveller, managing director of the train operator, said: "We know good connections to our capital are a key priority for any major city, and we have been determined to improve Sheffield's train service to London.
"We are proud that through genuine partnership-working with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Yorkshire Forward, we are collectively able to deliver this further major improvement for passengers."
East Midlands Trains will run an additional 11 services from Sheffield to St Pancras station in London, and 13 additional services from St Pancras to Sheffield.
All services will stop at Derby and Leicester and most will stop at Chesterfield. In addition, the number of trains between Sheffield and Derby will increase from three per hour to four.
n-Cheap rail fares from just 1 are available on services from Sheffield to around 30 locations.
Visit www.megatrain.com for details – with destinations available including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Southampton.
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