One of Fenland’s smallest train stations is receiving a major uplift in its rail service as train operator Abellio Greater Anglia launches a new timetable.
Manea station is on the line to get a new two hourly weekday and Saturday service.
Currently only two Cross Country trains per day serve the station, however, with the benefit of the significant infrastructure upgrade in Peterborough, Abellio Greater Anglia are now offering an extra two-hourly train a day to the village community.
Announcing the news at a meeting with parish, district and county council representatives, Greater Anglia Partnerships Manager Geraint Hughes said: “This is a key moment for us, for a long time we have wanted to respond to the villagers’ request for an improved rail service.
“With the completion of a key stage of Network Rail’s improvement works at Peterborough station we can now re time our service to include the stop at Manea. We look forward to working with the Hereward Community Rail Partnership and the villagers themselves, to promote this important service to the local community.”
Responding to the news, Fenland’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Ralph Butcher said: “I am delighted that the new timetable for Manea is about to begin.
“Transport is a vital issue for a big rural area like Fenland and especially for Manea and this service is a very significant improvement. “Fenland District Council has been working with Manea Parish Council and Abellio Greater Anglia on railway related matters for some time. We have had strong support from local people, who know what a big difference this service will make.”
Manea station is currently managed by Greater Anglia, but the limited service of two trains a day in each direction is provided by Cross-Country Trains.
GA runs a two-hourly service each day between Ipswich and Peterborough, also serving Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Ely, March and Whiitlesea.
As of this Saturday, December 28, these trains will now also call at Manea on Mondays through to Saturdays.
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