James Naish MP has welcomed East Midlands Railway’s announcement of a revised regional timetable from December 2025, alongside the introduction of the brand-new Aurora fleet on the Midland Main Line. Both developments are expected to significantly benefit residents across Rushcliffe and regular users of the EMR service.
“This is very welcome news for residents in Radcliffe on Trent and across Rushcliffe,” said James. “After months of discussions and engagement, the improved timetable and new trains have arrived, offering a better, greener and more reliable service for commuters and travellers alike.”
The two announcements are positive news for the area after the government confirmed in July that electrification of the Midland Main Line would be kept “under review”. This decision was described by Rushcliffe’s MP as “a missed opportunity” in parliament at the time, and campaigning for the scheme continues.
But in the meantime, two bi-modal trains from the Class 810 Aurora fleet have been delivered and are due to be put into service very soon, with a phased roll-out of more fleet over the next 12 months. The new trains replace ageing stock from 2004 and will operate using two fuels: electricity between London and South Wigston near Leicester, and diesel for the rest of their journey north.
EMR has also expanded its regional timetable. From December, this will see a major uplift in services every day of the week, notably for Radcliffe-on-Trent, which is on the Nottingham-Grantham line. The service frequency will increase as follows:
- Towards Nottingham:
- Weekdays: +8 services (from 9 to 17)
- Saturdays: +8 services (from 8 to 16)
- Sundays: +5 services (from 6 to 11)
- Towards Skegness:
- Weekdays: +5 services (from 10 to 15)
- Saturdays: +7 services (from 8 to 15)
- Sundays: +6 services (from 6 to 12)
Passengers will benefit from a more understandable and reliable timetable due to a new standard ‘clock-face’ timetable. This means trains will depart at consistent times each hour.
James commented: “I’m really pleased that the Midland Main Line finally has brand-new Aurora trains which will make travelling to and from London much nicer. They’re quieter, greener and more comfortable, thanks to the upgrade to electric overhead lines and modern interiors – so whether you’re commuting, visiting family or heading into the city for work, the journey should be more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at ways we can better match the timetable we operate with the journeys our customers want to make.
“We are delighted to be able to provide a boost in services for our regional customers from December. The increase represents the culmination of substantial work to make sure they can be increased or reintroduced reliably and sustainably.”
