Firstgroup looks to expand hull trains operations into sheffield

FirstGroup’s Hull Trains and Lumo open access operations on the East Coast Main Line have both proved successful and the transport company is now seeking to expand its Hull Trains operations with an application placed with the ORR to operate a service between London King’s Cross and Sheffield, calling at Retford, Worksop and Woodhouse. On January 13, Hull Trains bi-mode ‘Paragon’ 802302 Jean Bishops (The Bee Lady) passes through Market Harborough with a diverted Hull to London St Pancras International service, due to engineering works on the East Coast Main Line.

Paul Biggs

FIRSTGROUP HAS submitted the first phase of an application to the Office of Rail and Road for a new open access rail service between London and Sheffield as part of its Hull Trains operation.

The proposal is for two return journeys each day between London King’s Cross and Sheffield, calling at Retford, Worksop and Woodhouse, with FirstGroup stating it aims to provide a faster link between London and Sheffield than alternative services currently operating. It is hoped that services will begin during the second half of 2025, should the application be successful.

The stations at Worksop and Woodhouse do not currently have a direct service into London, with commuters having to change trains. FirstGroup estimates there are 350,000 people in the Worksop and Woodhouse catchment areas who would have direct rail access to the capital should the application be progressed.

FirstGroup claims that almost three quarters of trips between London and Sheffield are currently made by car, and a further 9% made by coach, stating that a competitively priced new rail offering would help to stimulate a shift in transport from road to rail.

Open access operation on the East Coast Main Line has seen three operators la