East Midlands Railway passengers urged to check journeys and plan ahead before travelling this Christmas

East Midlands Railway is planning to run a near normal service over Christmas, but engineering works at London Kings Cross may mean EMR services are busier than usual, particularly on Sunday December 27.

EMR will not be running services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Passengers can find all the changes to services by visiting EMR’s website and customers are being asked to avoid travelling at the busiest times of the day if possible.

As well as keeping a safe distance from other passengers and colleagues, customers are reminded that they must wear a face covering at all times when on the train and inside stations.

As part of the industry’s safer travel pledge, EMR has put in many measures so that passengers can travel with confidence, including employing the most cleaners in its history, sourcing powerful disinfectant products and purchasing new specialist cleaning equipment.

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Our staff will be working hard over the Christmas period to make sure people can be together at what is a very important time for many families, especially in light of what a tough year it has been.

“To help the festive period go as smooth as possible we are urging our passengers to leave plenty of time to plan their journey and to follow all the safety advice that can be found online and in our stations.

“We look forward to playing our part in bringing people together this Christmas.”

A detailed list of EMR’s services over the Christmas period can be found below and on its website here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/timetables-updates/changes-to-train-times

Thursday December 24:

Current weekday service, with earlier finishes

Kings Cross Closure due to East Coast Upgrade engineering works which will have a knock on impact to EMR services

Friday December 25 and Saturday December 26:

No services will operate

Sunday December 27:

Kings Cross Closure due to East Coast Upgrade engineering works which will have a knock on impact to EMR services

Engineering work is taking place between Melton Mowbray and Peterborough. Rail replacement to operate between Melton Mowbray and Peterborough and Peterborough and Leicester.

Monday December 28:

Current weekday service.

Kings Cross Closure due to East Coast Upgrade engineering works which will have a knock on impact to EMR services.

Engineering work is taking place between Melton Mowbray and Peterborough. Early morning services between Nottingham and Norwich to divert via Grantham and the East Coast Mainline. Rail replacement to operate between Melton Mowbray and Peterborough and Peterborough and Leicester.

December 29 to January 3:

Current weekday service

Kings Cross Closure due to East Coast Upgrade engineering works which will have a knock on impact to EMR services.