FirstGroup applies to run new 'faster' direct train from Sheffield to London passing through Worksop and Retford

FirstGroup has submitted an application for the open-access rail service.

The new line would be the first direct service from Sheffield to King's Cross since 1968 and would give residents in Worksop their first London service in decades.

The plans would create two return journeys a day from London King’s Cross, calling at Retford, Worksop, Woodhouse and Sheffield.

The operator - which also runs direct services to London from Edinburgh and Hull - says it aims to provide ‘a faster link between London and Sheffield than alternative services’.

They also claim almost three quarters of trips between London and Sheffield are currently made by car, with a further nine per cent of trips made by coach.

Currently, lines to London include the direct East Midland Railway service which takes two hours on average, and a two-hour-and-twenty-minute route that makes a connection at Doncaster.

The application will now enter a consultation period and if successful could start by the second half of 2025.

FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland said: “We want to leverage our extensive experience of running open access services and repeat the success of Hull Trains and Lumo [the Edinburgh service] through this new route that connects London and Sheffield.

“The new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail by offering customers a more sustainable travel alternative between the two cities.

“We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new offering.”

Coun James Naish, leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “This announcement from FirstGroup is great news for Bassetlaw and the wider region. Rail remains a key form of transport for many Bassetlaw residents and businesses, so more north-south and east-west connectivity will help to boost both the local and regional economy.

“This is especially welcomed at a time of significant investment coming into the District via the East Midlands Investment Zone, the STEP fusion energy project and other initiatives, helping Bassetlaw to become a more sustainable place to live and work.”

Coun Jo White, deputy leader and cabinet member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council said: “This is great news for the start of the New Year. It is decades since trains regularly went from Worksop to London.”

“Making Worksop a key element of the commuter line between London and Sheffield will inevitably create new opportunities for local businesses and our communities”.

“Retford will also benefit from the greater connectivity to Sheffield and London and will serve to strengthen and build our economy.”