'We can't stay hibernating forever', Hull Trains boss aims for full service by Christmas

The train operator, which relies wholly on ticket sales to survive, suspended services from the city to London on March 30, after the lockdown began.

MPs have been lobbying the Government for support for the open access operator, which did not qualify for Government funding through Emergency Measures Agreements, so far without success.

Managing director Louise Cheeseman would not be tied to a date when they will relaunch, but said they would be “thrilled to bits” to have a full service in time for one of their busiest periods, Christmas and New Year

Another open access operator, Grand Central, has said it will be running trains from Sunday July 26, starting with two daily return trains between Bradford Interchange and London King’s Cross and three between Sunderland and the capital.

Ms Cheeseman said they had been keeping track of the numbers of passengers coming into Kings Cross, and long-distance travellers still only amounted to 20 per cent of normal figures.

She said: “We genuinely don’t feel there is sufficient evidence to consider launching just yet.

“Our market is long-distance and falls into three categories: commuter, business and leisure.

“It could be Grantham to King’s Cross, Beverley to King’s Cross, we just haven’t seen that market coming back sufficiently yet.”

The new “one-metre plus” rule effectively halves the number of passengers that their new Hitachi trains can carry.

“It’s not great, but I think we are realistic that when we do launch we will not be able to fill a train any way,” she said.

When they do return, it will not be in a “blaze of glory” but starting with two return services a day and building up from there.

Last week parent company First Group saw shares tumble after flagging doubts over its future as passenger numbers plunged and it slumped to a £300m loss.

The transport group - which also runs the First Leeds bus network and train franchises including TransPennine Express - revealed a “material uncertainty” over its ability to continue as a going concern.

Ms Cheeseman said First Group was committed to Hull Trains' return, adding: “There has never been a conversation that said you are not going to come back.”

She said she was “planning for the future”, including extending services to Beverley. They have a 10-year lease on their fleet and a 10-year track access arrangement.

She said: “First Group are supporting us and saying they have confidence that we are a brand that is supported by the people of the region and they are committed to us coming back.

“We are ready and waiting for that sign to say there are those green shoots (of recovery).”

She said MPs had been incredibly supportive and financial aid from the Government would be appreciated “whatever size”, but the state had so far chosen not to step in. “The attitude I am adopting is to focus on getting the business back up and running from an operational point of view. We can’t stay hibernating forever.”

The majority of Hull Trains’ 130 staff are furloughed. Ms Cheeseman said she wanted to protect staff and it was their intention “wherever possible” to retain the “loyal and resilient” workforce.

Transport campaigner Adam Fowler said: “Hull Trains is an essential part of the region’s transport infrastructure. It is vital that they get back on track as soon as possible to help in the rebuild of the post Covid economy.”