Our franchise
East Midlands Trains, part of the Stagecoach Group, runs fast, frequent services between London St Pancras International and key destinations throughout the East Midlands, including Leicester, Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool. We were awarded the franchise to take over the running of these services, previously operated by Midland Mainline and Central Trains, on 22 June, 2007. Our trains went into service on 11 November, 2007 and since then we have been working hard to improve punctuality, reliability and facilities at our stations and on board our trains.
Better trains
We are investing in a multi-million pound refurbishment programme of our entire fleet of trains. The programme is designed to keep as many trains as possible in active service while we carry out work and as such will take until 2012 to complete. Improvements include refreshed interior décor, new livery, better air conditioning and on-board CCTV.
WiFi is currently being installed on all trains to and from London. The Meridian train fleet installation of on board WiFi is now complete so you will be able to stay connected while on the move.
Station Enhancements
In 2009 we opened two flagship stations: East Midlands Parkway and Corby. East Midlands Parkway offers motorists a viable, green alternative to the M1, with 850 secure car parking spaces and Park, Ride & Save fares to encourage commuters to leave their car at the station and continue their journey by train. It also offers frequent bus services to nearby East Midlands Airport.
The first direct trains from Corby in Northamptonshire to London for more than 40 years are now running from Corby station.
We are investing £10 million improving stations across the East Midlands Trains network. We are introducing more ticket vending machines at all our stations across our network to keep queues down. We are also rolling out CCTV, extra car parking spaces and improvements to cycle storage, as well as refurbishing shelters, waiting rooms, toilets and ticket halls at selected stations. Key improvements include the opening of a new First Class lounge in Sheffield in early 2011 and the new business lounge opened at East Midlands Parkway.
Better for the environment
We aim to provide efficient public rail transport that provides a practical alternative to car travel. We recognise that our operations impact on the environment and aim to limit our negative environmental impact through initiatives such as reducing emissions, energy and water use within our premises, producing less waste and implementing recycling measures, and working with customers and stakeholders to provide sustainable and integrated transport solutions to local communities. We have a dedicated Head of Environment to ensure this policy is put into action at all levels within our business.
Further information
The latest news from East Midlands Trains can be found in our News section.