Sheffield passengers are set to benefit from an hourly service to East Midlands Airport with the launch of East Midlands Trains new timetable on Monday 14 December 2009. Passengers from Chesterfield will also benefit from 16 new direct train services to and from the airport.
These new services are being introduced as the result of a successful partnership between East Midlands Trains, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and Yorkshire Forward, and will also bring an improved service between Sheffield and London with the introduction of two trains an hour.
The new hourly services from Sheffield will provide a vital link between South Yorkshire and East Midlands Parkway station, just a short distance away by shuttle bus from the successful East Midlands Airport. With a journey time of around 45 minutes between Sheffield and East Midlands Parkway, the service will provide a regular link, giving access to more than 100 destinations served by the airport.
David Horne, Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, explains: “Our new East Midlands Parkway station is in a perfect location for passengers wanting to avoid the hassle of driving to the airport, and instead take the more relaxing alternative of travelling by train.
“Since its opening earlier this year, we have been looking at ways to improve the service to East Midlands Parkway and provide an opportunity for even more passengers to benefit from this fast and easy link to the airport. We’re certain these new train services between Sheffield, Chesterfield and East Midlands Parkway will prove a big hit with our passengers.”
Mick Jameson, Chair of South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, said: "The new Sheffield half-hourly train service enhancement will increase the Sheffield City Region's connections to Europe via St Pancras and, from 14 December, also East Midlands Parkway. This long-awaited but whole-heartedly welcome new service represents a considerable boost for the people and economy of Sheffield and Chesterfield.”
Penny Coates, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport said: “We welcome the new service which connects East Midlands Airport to a key part of its catchment area in Sheffield and Chesterfield.
"The new hourly service provides our passengers in South Yorkshire with a quick, easy and hassle-free connection, not only to the airport but worldwide.
"We hope the new hourly service will be a great success and our passengers can continue to benefit from the strong relationship between the airport and East Midlands Parkway.”