The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is delighted to launch the second platform at Whitby Station to the public on Saturday 16th August 2014, with a brand new timetable that will provide passengers with more options to travel to and from the seaside town.
Engines celebrate the launch of the 2nd Platform at Whitby Station
For the first time in half a century there will be two steam locomotives side by side in Whitby Station on Friday 15th August from 10.30am to mark this monumental event. The two steam locomotives are hoped to be No. 45428 Eric Treacy and No. 61264 masquerading as classmate No. 61034 Chiru (to mark the 60th anniversary of the last train between Whitby and Stockton hauled by this engine on 13th June 1954).
From the Saturday 16th August 2014 the new platform will allow an increase from three to five in the number of NYMR trains a day to and from Whitby. The extra passengers on these trains are expected to be a major boast to the local tourist economy, so vital to this region. The extra platform also has the potential to enable more excursion trains to visit the resort.
Philip Benham, NYMR managing director said, “The public launch of our new expanded service on Saturday brings about the conclusion of a project that has taken almost two years since it was first agreed with Network Rail and much longer behind the scenes in terms of the NYMR’s planning. Already the only heritage railway in the UK able to run on both its own heritage line and the network rail, we are now the first and only heritage railway to have embarked on such a large scale project with Network Rail.”
Philip Benham comments “the first passenger train successfully tested the new platform (in advance of the timetable change over) on Tuesday 12th August 2014 with over 400 passengers alighting from it onto the new platform, and a similar number on the first departing train.
“I wish to pay tribute to our project team (most of them volunteers) led by Nigel Trotter, Infrastructure Director, and also our partners for their invaluable help with the scheme; particularly Network Rail, Northern Rail, and our main contractors Construction Marine Ltd, Siemens Rail Automation, Centre Great Rail Ltd and PBH Rail.”
NYMR, Northern Rail, Network Rail, CML and Quayside Restaurant representatives
“We are delighted that we are now in a position increase the number of NYMR trains serving Whitby to cater for the growing popularity of visitors to travel to and from the resort by heritage steam trains. This project and the support we have received, reflects great confidence in the importance of NYMR to the local tourist economy.”
The scheme has been developed by the NYMR in partnership with Network Rail (running under the NYMR’s project management) and it has only been possible to complete this project with funding of £1.1million awarded to the NYMR in round one of the Government’s Coastal Communities and a further funding of £850,000 from Network Rail.
Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “This is a great achievement. Additional services are already running to Whitby, supporting the important summer season. The project is a great example of collaboration between rail partners to benefit leisure travellers whilst protecting vital services for the commuters and schoolchildren who use this route every day. We are very proud of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and their steam operations.”
Construction Marine Ltd (CML) has been with the NYMR through every stage of the project to re-instate the platform at Whitby, Charles Mortimer, CML director, says “Working on heritage railway projects with NYMR is always special because it gives the team an extra sense of pride to think we are helping maintain the North’s railway history. This was a complex multi-disciplinary project comprising the installation of two new railway lines, a new signalling system, modifications to the electrical layout and power supply as well as construction of the new ‘Platform No.2’. Time was very tight and at times we instituted 7 day and 24 hour working to complete the job to be ready for Whitby’s tourist trade. We couldn’t have done it without the goodwill of nearby residents so a big thank you to them.”
Throughout the process the NYMR has been supported by Northern Rail to ensure that passengers by both transport providers were not disrupted. Rob Warnes, Planning and Programmes Director for Northern Rail comments: “As the station operator, we are delighted to see any improvements for rail users in Whitby and welcome the opportunity for increased numbers of customers to visit the town by rail.”
Since 13th June 2014 the world’s most popular heritage railway has been working alongside the UK’s number no. 1 fish and chip restaurant the Quayside to reinstate the age-old tradition of a special trains service that combines a trip to the seaside with the Quayside’s famous homemade batter, sustainable fish and mushy peas, on the return trip from the seaside town ever Friday.
“We feel privileged to have been able to join forces with such a prestigious heritage railway to offer this special service to holidaymakers and visitors,” says Carol Fusco, founder of Quayside fish and chip shop and restaurant, named ‘Best in Britain’ in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2014. “Day trippers can take in the sea air, stroll along the beach and work up an appetite for a slap-up fish and chip dinner on the last train home! We are delighted to be a part of the new development at Whitby Station. ”
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is open every day to 2nd November running trains between Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby. Day rover tickets are priced from £25.00 for adults, £21.50 for seniors, £12.50 for a child, and £54.00 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children, with a 15% discount currently available to those booking online using the code “ROVER15”.
During the winter timetable on the following Sundays 28 December, 4 January, 15 and 22 February there an extra Whitby Service from Pickering departing at 11am and returning from Whitby at 3pm. For more information, please visit www.nymr.co.uk or call 01751 472508.