Trains to run again on suspended rail route

The route has been suspended for almost a year

Trains on a route that has been suspended for nearly a year will be back in action from 20 November.

The Marston Vale Line, which has 12 stations between Bedford and Bletchley, has been suspended for 11 months.

Buses replaced trains after the maintenance provider, Vivarail, went into administration.

Morning and afternoon peak services on Monday to Friday will be running, with buses still operating at other times.

The new rail service will replace the defunct Class 230s

A full timetable should return in early 2024, London Northwestern Railway (LNR) said.

Class 150 trains have replaced the Class 230 trains that previously ran along the line.

Jonny Wiseman, from LNR, said: "We recognise that due to logistical constraints it has taken longer than we had hoped to bring back the train service and we thank our customers for their patience.

"While we will initially be running a partial timetable, we are working hard to train our drivers and senior conductors as quickly as possible with a view to resuming the full service in the new year."

The trains feature CCTV and space for bicycles

Stephen Sleight, from the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership, said: "The line is a lifeline for the communities along it and means an enormous amount to local people who rely on it for access to education, work, and leisure."

Each refurbished train will have wheelchair access and the capacity to hold 173 passengers.