East Midlands Trains

Area served and route types

EMT's network covered the traditional East Midlands region and neighboring counties, including East Midlands, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. Services ranged from high-speed intercity trains on the Midland Main Line to shorter regional and commuter workings that served smaller towns and branch lines. The operator connected major rail hubs to London as well as serving routes into Yorkshire and other northern areas.

Fleet and service characteristics

EMT ran a mixed diesel fleet suited to both longer-distance and regional duties. For higher-speed intercity services it used modern multiple-unit trains, while shorter and local services were operated with various diesel multiple units configured for frequent stops and commuter traffic. The company emphasized a combination of reserved-seat and open seating services on longer routes, and offered facilities such as onboard catering on many intercity trains.

History and development

The franchise was created in 2007 when EMT succeeded earlier operators that had divided services across the region; it took over long-distance routes previously run by Midland Mainline alongside services transferred from the eastern portion of Central Trains. Over its operating period EMT invested in timetable changes, service patterns and customer information systems typical of UK franchise holders. In August 2019 the East Midlands franchise passed to a new operator, East Midlands Railway, part of a separate franchise award process.

Importance and legacy

EMT played a central role in regional connectivity, linking provincial cities and towns with London and with each other, supporting commuting, leisure travel and regional economies. Its tenure illustrates how the franchising model was used to manage passenger services in the UK rail network and the way operators changed through competitive franchise re-awards. The successor operator has continued many core routes while implementing its own timetable and fleet plans.

Further notes

• Operator type: train operating company based in Derby.
• Primary region: East Midlands and neighbouring counties (Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire).
• Key connections: services to London and services reaching into Yorkshire.
• Franchise period: began November 2007 and concluded August 2019; succeeded by East Midlands Railway.

For more general background on UK rail franchising and regional services see relevant operator and government materials (operator details, national rail context). Historical summaries and timetabling archives provide additional detail on specific routes and rolling stock used during EMT's operation.