From The Hull Daily Mail:
CAPITAL GAINS
26 July 2006
Thousands of commuters could benefit from improved rail services between Hull and London.
Hull Trains wants to introduce a seventh direct daily weekday service to the capital.
It introduced a sixth daily train a year ago and has since seen passenger numbers rocket by 42 per cent.
Now it hopes adding another service to its timetable will help attract thousands more passengers.
It will be aimed primarily at businesspeople and day-trippers and will start its return journey from London at about 6.30pm or 7pm.
Mark Leving, managing director of Hull Trains, said: "The popularity and demand for services continues to grow and, in response to this, we are working to expand the services we offer.
"We are considering the introduction of an additional daily service during the week and are working with relevant organisations to achieve this.
"It is hoped an additional service will provide more choice and flexibility for passengers, especially business passengers who commute on a regular basis.
"We intend to present a robust case to support the high demand for additional services and the economic viability of a seventh service, which would bring major benefits to the region."
From April to June last year, 98,654 passengers used the Hull to London link. During the same period this year, Hull Trains carried 139,938 people - an increase of 42 per cent.
Councillor Andy Sloan, Hull City Council's cabinet member with responsibility for the economy, said: "The company has to be applauded for its entrepreneurial spirit. Hull Trains introduced something people and businesses clearly want. The more links we have with the rest of the country, the better."
Willerby-based celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill is a frequent traveller to the capital on Hull Trains.
The award-winning stylist welcomed the idea of a seventh service, saying: "I've probably travelled on every single train service in Britain and I'd say Hull Trains is superior to them all.
"The service is top-class and I always recommend it to clients over using other operators.
"Hopefully it will encourage more people to travel between the two cities."
Nick Pontone, manager of Hull Business Forum, said: "Hull Trains has been fantastic for Hull.
"It has taken people to and from London in comfort with a high level of service.
"It has also helped bring a lot of people into the city, which has been hugely beneficial for Hull and its business community.
"I would welcome any future services that are planned."
Emma Pearson-Kendall, of regeneration company Cityimage, said: "As London is the economic heart of the country, it is imperative to Hull's success that access to and from the capital is frequent, efficient and comfortable.
"Hull Trains already offers a service that is the envy of other cities."
In my opinion, this is great news for both businessmen and leisure travellers in Hull as it offers a far more attractive departure time from the capital. However, I could see such a service potentially requiring more than 4 cars depending on the availability of seats and the number of people that decide to use it over the exisiting GNER Hull Executive service. It does seem a waste of space at such a busy time out of Kings Cross.
Anyway, one thing is for sure, GNER (and Yorkie ) aren't going to like these proposals one bit!
CAPITAL GAINS
26 July 2006
Thousands of commuters could benefit from improved rail services between Hull and London.
Hull Trains wants to introduce a seventh direct daily weekday service to the capital.
It introduced a sixth daily train a year ago and has since seen passenger numbers rocket by 42 per cent.
Now it hopes adding another service to its timetable will help attract thousands more passengers.
It will be aimed primarily at businesspeople and day-trippers and will start its return journey from London at about 6.30pm or 7pm.
Mark Leving, managing director of Hull Trains, said: "The popularity and demand for services continues to grow and, in response to this, we are working to expand the services we offer.
"We are considering the introduction of an additional daily service during the week and are working with relevant organisations to achieve this.
"It is hoped an additional service will provide more choice and flexibility for passengers, especially business passengers who commute on a regular basis.
"We intend to present a robust case to support the high demand for additional services and the economic viability of a seventh service, which would bring major benefits to the region."
From April to June last year, 98,654 passengers used the Hull to London link. During the same period this year, Hull Trains carried 139,938 people - an increase of 42 per cent.
Councillor Andy Sloan, Hull City Council's cabinet member with responsibility for the economy, said: "The company has to be applauded for its entrepreneurial spirit. Hull Trains introduced something people and businesses clearly want. The more links we have with the rest of the country, the better."
Willerby-based celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill is a frequent traveller to the capital on Hull Trains.
The award-winning stylist welcomed the idea of a seventh service, saying: "I've probably travelled on every single train service in Britain and I'd say Hull Trains is superior to them all.
"The service is top-class and I always recommend it to clients over using other operators.
"Hopefully it will encourage more people to travel between the two cities."
Nick Pontone, manager of Hull Business Forum, said: "Hull Trains has been fantastic for Hull.
"It has taken people to and from London in comfort with a high level of service.
"It has also helped bring a lot of people into the city, which has been hugely beneficial for Hull and its business community.
"I would welcome any future services that are planned."
Emma Pearson-Kendall, of regeneration company Cityimage, said: "As London is the economic heart of the country, it is imperative to Hull's success that access to and from the capital is frequent, efficient and comfortable.
"Hull Trains already offers a service that is the envy of other cities."
In my opinion, this is great news for both businessmen and leisure travellers in Hull as it offers a far more attractive departure time from the capital. However, I could see such a service potentially requiring more than 4 cars depending on the availability of seats and the number of people that decide to use it over the exisiting GNER Hull Executive service. It does seem a waste of space at such a busy time out of Kings Cross.
Anyway, one thing is for sure, GNER (and Yorkie ) aren't going to like these proposals one bit!