Stagecoach pays tribute to East Midlands Trains employees as it prepares to complete franchise contract

Stagecoach Group has paid tribute to the team of more than 2,000 East Midlands Trains employees as it prepares to complete its contract with the Department for Transport after more than 11 successful years of running the East Midlands Trains rail network.

Through Stagecoach’s tenure of the East Midlands Trains franchise, which started on 11 November 2007, passengers have benefited from a wide range of service improvements and millions of pounds of investment. 

For over a decade, East Midlands Trains has delivered the most punctual long distance services in the UK, delivered major improvements to timetables and journey times and with support from stakeholders, has spent millions of pounds on transforming stations with extra car parks, cycle spaces and investment in new ticketing systems.

The train operator has also worked closely with local communities to drive major improvements on community rail lines to deliver significant increases in passenger growth and provide vital links for local communities. 

With responsibility for the East Midlands franchise due to pass to new operator Abellio at 01:59 on Sunday 18 August, Stagecoach has taken the opportunity to thank its fantastic team of staff, stakeholders, community partners and industry colleagues who have all paid a huge role in transforming services for passengers in the East Midlands.

Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “I am hugely proud of the fantastic job that has been done right across East Midlands Trains to deliver the best possible service for passengers and to run a railway that I feel extremely honoured to have been involved with.

“The team should look back with pride at how much has been achieved, they are a credit to the rail industry and a shining example to others. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our customers for their support over the past 11 years.

“We have been working closely with Abellio for several months to make sure they have everything they need for the new franchise and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

The last East Midlands Trains service to run under the existing franchise will be the 22:20 from London St Pancras to Derby on Saturday 17 August.

ENDS

Important media advice

Contact details for the Stagecoach Group Communications team from Sunday 18 August:

• Office hours (0800-1700): + 44 (0)1738 442111 or media@stagecoachgroup.com
• For urgent media enquiries out of office hours, please email media@stagecoachgroup.com

Contact details for the East Midlands Railway team from Sunday 18 August:

From the morning of Sunday 18 August, media enquiries about the East Midlands rail franchise should be directed to:

• Office hours (0800-1700): 0333 3 110 198 or media@eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk
• For urgent media enquiries outside of office hours, please call 08448 222888 and quote EMRMEDIA1.