A new timetable for trains to and from Stone came into operation on 9th December – and there has been mixed views on its impact on commuters.
The new London Midland timetable sees the journey time to the capital from Stone reduced to two-and-a-half hours, and there are extra trains on weekday evenings – the last train now leaves Euston at 6.29pm on weekday evenings.
You can see the new timetable HERE.
Local people have welcomed the improved service to the capital on A Little Bit of Stone’s Facebook page, but some have raised concerns about the impact of the new service if you’re travelling to Birmingham or Manchester from Stone.
Samantha Clifford said: “There are far more business travellers regularly commuting to Birmingham or Manchester and we still have to change at either Stafford or Stoke. The new timetable is actually less flexible than the old in respect of the connections. I travelled on the 7.26 this morning (Tuesday 11th December)and I didn’t arrive in Birmingham until 8.52. That was using the most direct route. It is completely impractical for any commuter to travel by train from Stone. The only option now is to drive to Stafford or Penkridge.”
You can mail the North Staffs Rail Promotion Group with any problems you are having with the new timetable. The group meets London Midland managers regularly. Email jhnorthstaffsrail@hotmail.co.uk
1 comment
Brian Clews
Stone station is well used but families are nil. No toilets. No disabled access. The new trains have seating as London Overground – fewer swats , plenty if standing room, seniors beware. Little thought for seniors/disabled.