For the first time in 31 years a direct train service has started running between Middlesbrough and London today (Monday 13 December).
Currently there is only one direct service a day, taking place at 7.08am every weekday and arriving around 10.22am, and it is no quicker than most services with one change.
The ticket price for the direct service is much cheaper though, according to National Rail Enquiries, with fares advertised at £38 compared to services only 10 to 20 minutes earlier or later, which sell at £88 rising to £165. Cheaper fares may be available on other ticket service websites.
Families will also be able to travel on a special Family Ticket offering around a 48% discount, the Government said.
The new service will also connect nearby Thornaby directly with London King’s Cross in around three hours.
Run by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), the direct service will also see passengers travel on Azuma trains which run on electric wires between London and North Yorkshire, before switching to diesel to Middlesbrough.
They also have free onboard wi-fi, electric sockets at every seat and more space than conventional carriages.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: 'Not only will this world-class service provide green benefits, but it will also give the people of Teesside better connections for work, help bring loved ones together, and drive tourism to this fantastic region.'
The Middlesbrough to London service is part of a new timetable, which will also see improvements on journeys between Harrogate and York and between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Train operator Northern is adding more services, increasing the York-Harrogate service to half hourly from hourly. A new service of five trains per day between Newcastle and Edinburgh is also being introduced by TPE for Transport Scotland, serving Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
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