Full service returns to Marston Vale Line using Class 150 DMUs

A FULL hourly-timetabled service returned to the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley from February 19.

The 16-mile line, which connects the West Coast Main Line with the Midland Main Line, had been running with a limited peak hour service since November 2023. This began after a break of 11 months using rail replacement buses after Vivarail and its maintenance company went into administration, grounding the Class 230 DMUs that were introduced in 2019.

Due to the very short platforms on the route, only certain types of train can be used on the line. Operator London NorthWestern took on three Class 150/0 units from Northern which have been refurbished and rebranded, have a universally accessible toilet, feature an upgraded passenger information system and have USB charging points. A period of driver training was also needed before the limited service could commence.

Under the full timetable there are 17 daily departures in each direction between Bedford and Bletchley on Monday-Saturday.

There is no Sunday service.

An event to mark the return of the hourly timetable took place at Bletchley station attended by rail users, members of the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership and local MPs. To encourage passengers to return to the route, for the next three months a single journey between any two stations on the Marston Vale Line will cost just £1 for adults and 50p for children.

To celebrate the reopening, LNR launched a competition to name one of the Class 150 DMUs used on the Marston Vale Line. Suggestions included people and places associated with the line between Bedford and Bletchley, with entries closing on March 4 as this issue went to press.