A rail campaign group has criticized short-term plans to operate an additional late-night train service.
Extra late-night service
From Saturday until August 30, TPE will run a train from Edinburgh Waverley at 23:00 BST on weekdays. It will name at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, and Morpeth earlier than arriving at Newcastle at 00:fifty nine. This is geared toward people attending evening shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Allowing them to head without fretting about how they get domestic.
Campaign Group’s Response
Dennis Fancett from the South East Northumberland Rail Users’ Group (Senrug) welcomed the move but called for a permanent late-night service. “It’s good news, but Northumberland stations need a permanent service leaving Edinburgh at 23:00 or thereabouts to support the many evening activities in the city,” he said.
Call for Permanent Service
Mr Fancett hopes that this new service will be popular and well-used. He added his disappointment that it only runs on Saturdays. When he believes demand would be highest – particularly during the festival period and throughout the year.
Government Control and Service Improvements
Since May 2023, TransPennine Express has been under government control following complaints of delays and cancellations. The aim of this was to improve reliability and service performance. A late-night train could help restore trust among members of the public while also raising customer satisfaction levels again.
Support for Fringe Festival
Adam Fairclough, head of customer experience at TPE, expressed his delight in being able to offer extra services during the Fringe Festival. “We are pleased to be able to offer extra services for those traveling during the Fringe Festival and to support the city of Edinburgh during this popular event.” This backing underlines festivals’ vital role in boosting local tourism and the economy.
Fringe Festival Impact
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the sector’s most prominent arts pageant, with over a million people predicted to flock to the Scottish capital. Thousands of suggestions will be placed throughout over 250 venues in and around the metropolis, highlighting the need for convenient past-due-night shipping options.
Broader Implications for Transport Needs
This move has revealed the broader significance of transport requirements during significant events. Festivals and large gatherings place enormous demands on local infrastructure, and having access to late-night travel can affect people’s ability to attend or participate in them. By providing such a service, TPE supports those attending the festival and shows it is prepared to change its services to meet people’s needs.
Future Considerations
If the temporary service is well used, then there may be scope for changes to be kept longer. If popular with passengers regularly making their way home at these times throughout the year. Not just when attending such events themselves, hours could be extended beyond festival time into regular timetable slots.
