Gainsborough train station selected for ‘transport hub’ pilot

Gainsborough Lea Road and North Hykeham stations have been selected as ‘transport hub’ pilots in a new plan by Mayor Andrea Jenkyns.

They would allow commuters to ditch their cars and use trains, bikes or buses to get to their destination.

Plans are still being developed for Gainsborough, which a report on the hubs describes as being in need of an upgraded footbridge and a larger car park.

A feasibility study will be carried out on a park-and-ride facility at North Hykeham, serving the busy Lincoln-Nottingham line.

The improvements were discussed at the mayoral Overview Committee on Wednesday, July 29, where one Gainsborough councillor said it’s crucial that train services become more reliable.

Coun Matt Boles said: “People in Gainsborough want to use that train station. They flock to it on Saturday for an afternoon out in Lincoln or use it to get to Retford at 7am.

“But many are let down by cancelled trains and changing timetables. If you go to Lincoln, you’re not guaranteed to get home, which costs a fortune for a taxi.

“We don’t want to build this facility and be let down by connecting services.”

Lana Meddings, the mayoral authority’s transport and growth manager, said: “Integrated hubs will bring together different modes of transport and make journeys easier, more reliable and more attractive.”

She said the authority worked closely with train operators on timetables, and talked with them about improvements.

Transport hubs could be rolled out to other locations after the pilots, and the authority says there had been lots of interest from transport providers.

A report on the proposals for North Hykeham says: “Given the significant commuter flows into Lincoln, the location presents a valuable opportunity to promote seamless multi-modal journeys and reduce reliance on private car travel.

“Further options, including a park and ride facility, are being considered as part of the wider feasibility study.”