Hull Trains keen to open up new markets

Part two of Andy Comfort's focus on Hull Trains looks at the company’s recovery from the pandemic, and at its ambitions to run more services.

In this article:

• Hull Trains faced severe financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending services three times without government support.
• Refocused on leisure travel and returned to recovery, running longer trains and increasing weekly services.
• The company is planning future expansions, including a potential new route between Sheffield and London by 2025.

“You must stay at home.”

The words of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announcing the first national lockdown on March 23 2020 due to COVID-19, would have a profound effect on the entire rail industry - not least of all on an open access operator such as Hull Trains.

The company had begun the new decade in buoyant mood, with the first of its new bi-mode Class 802 Paragon trains having entered passenger service in December 2019.

Want to read more? Subscribe today and never miss an issue of RAIL. With a Print + Digital subscription, you’ll get each issue delivered to your door for FREE (UK only). Plus, enjoy an exclusive monthly e-newsletter from the Editor, rewards, discounts and prizes, AND full access to the latest and previous issues via the app.