Sheffield students might soon be able to enjoy a different way to travel to and from the capital.
Private transport company First Group has announced an application to launch what they say will be a quicker, and more affordable, train service between the Yorkshire city and London.
Now in its consultation period, the proposed service aims to start with two daily return trips to Kings Cross, under its existing brand, Hull Trains. This would compete with East Midlands Railway (EMR) services to St Pancras. Currently, EMR operates without direct competition, which is alleged to affect its service quality and limit opportunities for Sheffield students.
Graham Sunderland, CEO of First Group, says the company aims to provide “a faster link between London and Sheffield than alternative services.”
He added: “We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it can have on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.”
Open Access train operators, such as Hull Trains and Grand Central, take on the full commercial risk of routes. This is opposed to franchised operators like EMR and LNER, who run government contracts.
If approved, the service could potentially benefit students in many ways. Those who live in London, or use it as a connection for surrounding stations, could travel more efficiently without cost being a limiting factor. Additionally, career and networking opportunities in London would become more accessible, with around 12,000 networking events held annually and 40% of internships based there.
Jane Ampiah, a second-year student, who travels to London for networking events and career opportunities, said: “The prices are crazy, so I started taking the coach.
“It’s very long and tiring, and is usually delayed by 30 minutes.
“The new train would be amazing. It’s a good step in the right direction to have alternatives for students like me who pursue opportunities in the capital.”
First Group claims that 75% of Sheffield-London journeys are currently made by car, while another 9% are by coach.
The lack of competition is said to keep prices high and lead to lower passenger satisfaction, driving some travelers to use cheaper connections through Doncaster.
After reaching out for a response from EMR, they said they didn’t want to directly comment on this, but said: “Unregulated fares are set by us and include Off Peak Day return, Advance fares , travel cards and all our First-class fares.”
Managing director of Hull Trains, Martijn Gilbert, said: “We feel the new Sheffield-London service will deliver lots of benefits to both Sheffield and the wider region. He added “Two return trains a day is a small start but we want to build with that.”
The new train service could launch in December 2025 if approved, with a decision now resting with the Office of Rail and Road.
