Second hibernation for train operator from 5 November

Hull Trains will be temporarily suspending all its services from 00.01 Thursday 5 November 2020, when the second national lockdown begins.

This will be the second time the operator’s direct rail services between Hull and London have been impacted by the pandemic.

Louise Cheeseman, managing director of Hull Trains, said: “Sadly we are reluctantly suspending all our rail services in response to the national lockdown.

“This is the second time we have temporarily suspended services and the decision has been made to safeguard the future of the business.

“It would be foolhardy of us to run trains when people are being asked to stay at home and our business isn’t in a position to be generating an income from passengers buying train tickets.”

Ticket sales are central to Hull Trains’ income stream and its position as an open access operator means it is not entitled to additional financial support from the Government, which franchised rail operators were previously offered through the Emergency Measures Agreement.

Cheeseman added: “The feedback from our local community, businesses and stakeholders has been remarkable and continues to give us a real boost. Thank you to all our loyal customers who continue to support us.

“We hope to safely resume services as soon as we can in the future, when it is financially viable to do so.

“All the information about this temporary measure and what this means for customers and refunds is available on our website.”