New pledge for fast train to London

That's the promise of a new train operator which plans to spend millions on improvements to trains and stations.

East Midlands Trains, run by Stagecoach Group, this week unveiled its new logo and livery as the company prepares to start its seven-year-and-four-month franchise on Sunday November 11.

Taking over from Midland Mainline, the company's plans include millions of pounds of investment in station and train improvements including refurbishments, more CCTV cameras, more car park spaces and improved journey times.

Improvements and investment include:

Faster journeys to Sheffield - two hours eight minutes - as part of a new timetable scheduled to come in December 2008 with potential further improvements.

More than 850 extra peak-time seats into and out of London and an increase of nearly 10,000 off-peak seats per weekday.

26.5 million to spend on train interiors including decor, seats, CCTV on trains and technical modifications.

An information and security centre to respond to help point requests and monitor CCTV cameras.

More CCTV cameras at stations and trains and more than 60 new or upgraded Help Points.