East Midlands evolution

Regarding the Department for Transport’s findings into expectations for the new East Midlands franchise (Industry Insider, RAIL 836).

I contributed to the consultation, and stated that in my view there is insufficient capacity in the regional services. The first thing is to eliminate single-coach working, then increase service frequency.

I do feel that Lincoln is very much left out of EMT/Government thinking. Take the Newark to Grimsby service - now it is mostly handled by a Class 153, when it used to be handled by a Class 31 and four coaches. I have read articles in the local paper about passengers being turned away.

Lincoln to Doncaster services need increasing, as do Lincoln to Peterborough. Matlock to Newark Castle should be extended to Lincoln. I agreed with opening Shirebrook to Ollerton, but why not extend it to Tuxford - the track is there?

I agreed with transferring Birmingham-Nottingham from CrossCountry. I also agreed with transferring Birmingham-Stansted, but I do not think this is that important.

I disagreed with splitting the Liverpool to Norwich service, but speed it up by removing some intermediate stops.

I cannot understand the idea of using Class 800 bi-modes, as they are only 100mph-rated on diesel mode. We should be thinking in terms of Class 802 bi-modes.

With these, the Liverpool to Norwich services can be sped up and the Class 158s cascaded to strengthen local services. With this, I would transfer SheffieldNottingham trains from Northern.

Another bonus (if enough are ordered ): some of the St PancrasNottingham services can run onto Lincoln with just an intermediate stop at Newark Castle.

As far as Melton Mowbray is concerned, some of the Nottingham or Derby trains can be routed that way and/or a circular from London to Leicester to London.

Commuter traffic to Corby could be handled by Thameslink trains running on from Bedford, and EMT (or whoever) running express trains.

As for electrification, it doesn’t make sense unless the electrification reaches Nottingham and Derby. Tony Sneath, Lincoln