A boost in connectivity for Edinburgh and Newcastle passengers thanks to TrasPennine Express

TransPennine Express has announced more services are being introduced from this Sunday, 12th December.

The increase in services will take effect this month and will improve connectivity for communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland.

The TransPennine Express (TPE) services will come into effect from Sunday the 12th of December and will start running five services each day from Monday to Saturday in both directions and will call at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington

TPE’s modern five carriage Nova 1 trains will be operating the new services and also bring an enhanced travel experience for customers featuring spacious interiors including plenty of legroom with free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to TPE’s onboard entertainment system, Exstream.

Customers travelling with TPE are advised to plan ahead and book travel in advance through the TPE Website or National Rail Enquiries.

To celebrate these new services, TPE are offering 50% off Advance Purchase Fares for this route on tickets purchased up to the 5th of January 2022 and travel taking place from the 12th of December 2021 to the 18th of April 2022.

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To book tickets please visit the TransPennine Express website or use the TPExpress app using the promo code FIFTY. Further information and terms and conditions of the offer are also available on the website and app and also gives people the choice to pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.

Alongside the impressive discount, customers can also win one of ten pairs of First Class train tickets by visiting: http://TPExpress.co.uk/fifty

Customers can feel confident travelling with TPE with enhanced cleaning in place in a bid to keep everyone safe. Face coverings are now a mandatory requirement on board trains and at stations unless exempt.

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express commented: “We are thrilled that Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership have given us approval to run these additional services which will significantly improve connectivity on this route.

“I’m sure these improvements will be very welcome news for communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland and I’m looking forward to welcoming people onboard our fantastic Nova 1 trains.

“Services on this route are already looking very popular, and I would encourage those intending to travel to plan their journeys in advance and book ahead.”

Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport said: “Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.

“This is a good example of collaborative working by all involved to deliver a great outcome for those on the route. I look forward to the start of services and, at some point in the future, travelling on them myself.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “It’s brilliant to see better rail connectivity being introduced by TransPennine Express to communities in Northumberland along the East Coast Main Line. The new trains which will operate five times each weekday will be transformational in connecting people to employment, education and leisure opportunities, which is a key aim of the North East Transport Plan. We have been pushing for this improvement and we’re delighted that it has been made possible by TransPennine Express, the Rail North Partnership and Transport Scotland.

“Bearing in mind that this all began with rail industry proposals to reduce services at some stations in Northumberland – proposals that we strongly resisted – it is an excellent result and one that we hope will be made permanent when circumstances permit.”

Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North, said: “Transport for the North remains committed to strengthening rail links between the North East and Scotland and this initiative, which we have been pleased to support through the Rail North Partnership, brings a high-quality service to a growing rail market supporting a number of key communities along a key rail corridor between the two countries. Improving connectivity between the North, Edinburgh and beyond will bring about benefits for our residents and businesses, as part of the wider UK economy.”