Rugby Rail Users Group welcomes slight increase in train services this week

Rail services in Rugby have been increased slightly since the beginning of this week
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Rugby Rail Users Group (RRUG) has welcomed the news that, as of the beginning of this week, May 18, there will be some extra trains for Rugbeians during rush hour.

The group is also praising the drainage and track work that Network Rail has just completed in Kilsby Tunnel - taking advantage of the greatly reduced lockdown train service to close the main Rugby-London line for major rebuilding.

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This major project would not have been possible if normal services had been running.

The line at Kilsby Tunnel. Photo submitted by Rugby Rail Users Group.The line at Kilsby Tunnel. Photo submitted by Rugby Rail Users Group.
The line at Kilsby Tunnel. Photo submitted by Rugby Rail Users Group.

On the morning of Monday, May 18, the line has reopened and fast trains began to run again.

Chair of RRUG, Stephanie Clifford said: “One of the few upsides of the coronavirus pandemic is that it has allowed the tracks near Rugby to be closed for work which would have otherwise been very disruptive to passengers.

"I would like to thank Network Rail for seizing the initiative to do this work at what is a challenging time for everyone."

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The rail users group explained that Kilsby Tunnel has been wet for many years, with water dripping onto trains.

Work has also been completed at Stowe Hill Tunnel near Weedon, which is on the same main line.

Rugby station had only a skeleton train service during the lockdown weeks, but on May 18 there was a slight increase in rail services, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

A spokesperson for the rail users group said: "However, this is not a return to normal services, and we can expect extra distancing and precautions to be in place."

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A one-way pedestrian system is operating at Rugby station, making it only be possible to enter the station from the main (south) doors, and exit will only be via the north (Post Office) side.

Train capacity will still be much reduced, and the advice remains that people should only use public transport if absolutely necessary.