Hull Train hibernates services for a third time due to lockdown

It is the third time the rail operator which runs services between the city and Kings Cross in London has hibernated the business following national restrictions calling for people to stay at home and stop all non-essential travel.

Louise Cheeseman, managing director of Hull Trains said it was "another challenge" but was confident the decision was the right one to help safeguard the future of the business.

The open access operator, which is part of FirstGroup, relies wholly on ticket sales to survive, and is not entitled to extra financial support from the government.

Mrs Cheeseman said the majority of staff would be furloughed. There's no planned return date yet.

She said: “Our direct rail route to London plays a vital role in supporting the local economy in Hull and East Riding and we shall continue to play a key part in the region’s growth in the future.

"I look forward to returning when restrictions are relaxed and more people start to travel again."

The operator suspended services last March and November and has been running a reduced timetable.

For more visit hulltrains.co.uk, @Hull_Trains and facebook.com/HullTrains/