All change on public transport as Northamptonshire emerges from lockdown this weekend

More buses, more seats on the trains as more people head out to pubs and restaurants .. and back to work
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Public transport across Northamptonshire takes step nearer returning to normal on road and rail this weekend.

Trains to London from Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough are all boosted with extra seats as pubs and restaurants reopen and more people return to work.

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And the county's biggest bus operator, Stagecoach, is restoring many of the services it cut following a massive drop in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Julian Edwards, managing director of London Northwestern Railway which runs services between London Euston, Northampton and Birmingham, said: “This weekend marks an important milestone.

“As a transport operator we play a key role in keeping local economies moving and we’re pleased to see more of our businesses starting to open their doors to customers.

“We’re stepping up our timetable to help meet demand but while we continue to operate at reduced capacity due to social distancing, we’re asking passengers only to travel with us if their journey is necessary.

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“If you do travel by train, remember it is now mandatory to wear a face covering while on board. You should also buy your ticket in advance and avoid potentially busy services, particularly the last train home.”

Extra services will be running from this weekend in a bid to avoid queues like these in Northampton town centre. Photo: Leila CokerExtra services will be running from this weekend in a bid to avoid queues like these in Northampton town centre. Photo: Leila Coker
Extra services will be running from this weekend in a bid to avoid queues like these in Northampton town centre. Photo: Leila Coker

Passengers who do have to travel are being urged to plan journeys carefully, avoid busy times and to wear a face covering. Late night travellers are advised not to rely on the last train home.

Mr Edwards added: "Social distancing means we have limited space on trains. Right now, please help save space for those who need it by considering other methods of transport. If you're looking to go out somewhere this weekend, if possible, avoid using the trains."

London Northwestern is promising 40,000 seats every weekday on services to and from London, 10,000 of them at peak times.

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Some morning rush-hour services will be restored and most trains will have extra carriages to provide extra seats.

Network Rail gives London Euston station a deep clean every nightNetwork Rail gives London Euston station a deep clean every night
Network Rail gives London Euston station a deep clean every night

Northampton - London timetables can be downloaded HERE Northampton - Birmingham timetables can be downloaded HEREEast Midlands Railway, which operates journeys from Kettering and Wellingborough, are also restoring more services cut during the the Covid-19 crisis.

The addition of the 07.29 from Kettering and 07.37 from Wellingborough means that 13 out of EMR's 14 peak time arrivals into London St Pancras are up and running again.

Check your journey using East Midlands Railway's live train search HEREStagecoach is boosting bus services in Northampton, Kettering, Corby and surrounding areas from Sunday.

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As on the train, emergency bus timetables were originally introduced in March to help key workers get to and from work and for other essential journeys.

Face coverings are required on trains and buses. Photos: Leila CokerFace coverings are required on trains and buses. Photos: Leila Coker
Face coverings are required on trains and buses. Photos: Leila Coker

Service levels have gradually been increasing ever since; with some back to near normal levels but these latest changes include new journeys between Corby town centre and industrial areas and restores the No 49 between Kettering and Wellingborough.

Details of Stagecoach bus services in Northamptonshire can be found HERE

Managing director Mark Whitelocks said: “These latest changes are about further increasing services, where we’re seeing the most usage on the network.

"It ensures that we are putting in enough capacity so that our customers can have confidence about travelling safely with us, as we continue adapting as lockdown restrictions are lifted.”