Dave Doogan, MP for Angus, met recently with train operator LNER to discuss their proposals to amend their East Coast timetable in the coming months following a period of consultation.

The changes are designed to decrease journey times on their network including between Edinburgh Waverly and London King’s Cross if the proposals are implemented following the consultation period.  

The new timetable, which is planned to commence in May 2022, will see the journey time from Edinburgh to London cut by over 15 minutes with LNER planning to enter 65 new Azuma trains into service which will deliver a very significant boost to capacity and it is hoped result in a more reliable and evenly timed service.  

As part of the proposed changes, the amended services between London and Aberdeen would see arrival and departure times for LNER services change slightly in Montrose and Arbroath.  

Commenting on the consultation meeting, Dave Doogan said: 

“The consultation with LNER was very interesting, and it was helpful to listen first-hand to the work they have been doing to improve the network.

“I am very pleased to see journey times between Edinburgh and London reduced in their plan but my priority was to ensure that capacity and services from Montrose and Arbroath were not reduced in the process. At the meeting LNER confirmed that subject to slight timetabling changes services in Angus are maintained.

“As restrictions ease and more and more people return to using public transport, it is important that constituents make their views known on these proposed changes. While the proposals will only see a slight adjustment in arrival and departure times from stops in Angus this is nevertheless an opportunity for passengers to have their say. 

“With Montrose and Arbroath on the LNER East Coast line, I would encourage regular passengers to check to see if their travel will be impacted by the proposed changes and to engage with the consultation currently taking place on the LNER website, or if they prefer they can contact my office and I will take up their issue.”