Nick Jackson Bucking the trend since 1987.

A pox upon East Midlands Trains!

Whilst heading home yesterday, I intended to catch the 1809 service from Lincoln Central to Newark North Gate (Operated by East Midlands Trains), from there to catch the NXEC service to Leeds. Unfortunately, upon arriving at Lincoln, I discovered that my train had been cancelled.

At this time of year, the reasons for cancelling trains are wide and varied. The wrong kind of frost on the line, snow, inclement weather, and attack of killer snowmen are all possibilities. My train was cancelled for an altogether less acceptable reason – a shortage of train crews.

Now, call me cynical, but aren’t the timetables for trains available months in advance? This is plenty of time to make sure there are crews for all timetabled services. If there aren’t, don’t timetable them in the first place!