BRIGG PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE ABOUT TO BE SUSPENDED

Brigg passenger train services are to be suspended from next week, the Independent Brigg Line Rail Group (IBLRG) has informed us. During the Coronavirus emergency lockdown period, other routes are also to see reductions.
Brigg railway station (pictured) is timetabled to receive a Saturday service - three trains to Sheffield through Kirton Lindsey and Retford, and three to Grimsby and Cleethorpes via Barnetby.
Trains along the iconic Brigg line, operated by Northern, are still expected to run as normal this Saturday (January 16) after which the suspension will come into force.
Brigg Blog has since received confirmation of the cancellation from Northern.
A spokesman told us the Sheffield-Cleethorpes service is one of those being affected by the reductions made as part of the timetable change.
"We have temporarily removed the service, but customers can continue to use the services operated by TransPennine Express," Northern added. (In our area a Sheffield-Scunthorpe-Barnetby-Cleethorpes service provided by another operator).
"We are keeping our timetables under constant review, welcome feedback and, as far as we can, will take account of the needs of those who rely on Northern."
See the company's detailed update below....
The IBLRG thinks there may be a review of timetables in March but fears it could be May before normal service is resumed through Brigg.
Through its Twitter account Visit Brigg By Train, it said earlier this week: "Saturday will be the last time the Brigg Line passenger services run for what might be quite a considerable time."
Brigg Blog will keep local public transport users posted on this topic in the weeks ahead.
The Brigg line will still be available, as and when required, for freight trains over the coming weeks and months, and there will be a window of opportunity for Network Rail to carry out any repair work/improvements thought necessary.

FROM NORTHERN TRAIN RAILWAY

Northern to introduce amended timetables in response to national lockdown

Northern, alongside the rest of the UK rail industry is to introduce amended timetables from Monday (18 January) to continue to help those who need to travel get where they need to be.
The new timetables will see a reduction in service on some routes with overall capacity across the network also reduced.
Government advice remains that people should avoid travelling where possible and Northern is calling on anyone who does have to make rail journeys to check carefully before setting off.
Those who do need to travel by train should follow a few simple steps. Maintain social distancing where possible, wash hands before and after travel and, unless exempt, wear a face covering at stations and on trains.
Northern will also continue to support social distancing and enhanced cleaning of touch points at stations and on trains.
Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: “From next week we will introduce an amended timetable that reflects the third national lockdown with a reduction in services across the network.
“We will focus on delivering services during the morning and evening peaks so those who need to travel  can get to where they’re needed and have the space to maintain social distancing.”
"We're therefore calling on people to check carefully before they travel and behave responsibly on our trains. In the meantime, we’ll continue with our programme of enhanced cleaning at our trains and stations to keep our customers as safe as possible and to reduce the risk of transmission while travelling with Northern.”
For up-to-date travel information please visit the Northern website or National Rail Enquiries.