Local train operator East Midlands Trains is beginning a £13million investment programme this week after their operating contract was extended until March 2018.
Cleaner trains and stations, new customer information technology, more station staff, discounted fares, a new phone app, and an improved delay repay scheme have all been promised by the company.
Crucially for our region, East Midlands Trains have also pledged to bring faster and more frequent services between Lincoln and Nottingham.
The investment comes as part of the deal between Stagecoach Group, who own East Midlands Trains, and the Department for Transport, and could see the franchise run through to 2019 if everything goes to plan.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I want to see passengers put at the heart of our railway system.
“The franchise that starts today will mean better journeys and a better deal for passengers on East Midlands Trains. Strengthening our transport infrastructure, locally and nationally, is a key part of the government’s long term economic plan, and the £38 billion spent on the UK’s rail network between 2014 and 2019 will help boost jobs and growth.”
£250,000 will also be invested in ‘community rail’, including outreach to local schools and opportunities for college and university graduates.
Jake Kelly, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, added: “This is a very exciting day for our customers, our employees and local communities and marks the start of our major improvement plans.
“We are extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to continue operating train services until at least March 2018, and we’re certain our customers will welcome the plans we have in place to improve our services.”