Hull Trains

Hull Trains - on the right track! Hull Civic Society - Good Mark Award
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date 4 December 2001
source Hull Trains
type Press release

Hull Civic Society has awarded a 'Good Mark' to Hull Trains for the creation of a direct rail service from Hull to London. A presentation of the Good Mark Award will take place at 11am on Tuesday 4 December 2001 at Hull Paragon Station. Hull Trains commitment to the City has contributed to improving the Hull's image whilst providing a much needed rail link. It has opened up increased journey opportunities and is helping the environment by offering an alternative to the car.

Until the arrival of Hull Trains, Hull was the largest City in the UK without a regular direct rail service to London. With just 1 direct train a day, most travelers had to change trains at Doncaster and there was no prospect of this situation improving much in the future. Despite opposition from other train operating companies, Hull Trains with the support of local MPs, companies and other organizations (including Hull Civic Society) managed to persuade the Office of the Rail Regulator to allow them to operate services on the busy East Coast Main Line to London.

Hull Trains was launched on 25 September 2000 initially with 3 direct trains each way between Hull and London Kings Cross. As an 'Open Access Operator', the first in the UK since rail privatization, Hull Trains receives no public subsidy unlike other rail operators. Despite the disruption caused by both the Hatfield and later Heck Rail disasters Hull Trains has established itself as a capable and innovative train operator. So much so Hull Trains was highly commended in the 'Achievement of the Year' category at the National Rail Awards in September 2001.

Hull Trains has gradually expanded its base in Hull and during September opened a driver's depot in the City. In October 2001, Hull Trains added an extra service providing 4 direct trains each way between Hull and the capital. Hull Trains is currently looking at using new faster trains to reduce journey times and plans to increase the level of service to at least 2 hourly.

Comment
'Hull Trains has shown tremendous faith and commitment in Hull by establishing a direct rail service with London. This is helping to improve the City's image, opening up journey opportunities and providing a realistic alternative to the car.'
Hull Civic Society' Adam Fowler, Chair, Hull Civic Society

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-12-04 HUL-001