Longer journey times between King’s Lynn, Downham Market, Ely and London
Six men were arrested after a fight broke out on a train. Picture: Chris Bishop - Credit: Archant
New train timetables mean travelling between King's Lynn and London will take longer.
South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said she was 'extremely concerned' at proposals which would add 10 minutes to the 1hr 40min journey.
She said: 'I have long been campaigning to have our rail routes upgraded with increased services and this to me is a backwards step.'
If the new timetable is adopted, trains will spend around a minute longer at each station on their way to the capital.
Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs services between Lynn and King's Cross, said: 'Our timetable proposals reflect the need for a minor increase in dwell times at stations and to improve performance on the single line tracks between King's Lynn and Cambridge.
'Passengers can find out what the changes mean for their journey at transformingrail.com or request paper copies by post.
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'The consultation into the weekday timetables runs until 5pm on Thursday, July 27. Weekend timetables will be shared later in the year.
'Doubling the length of trains between King's Lynn and Cambridge from next year will allow us to meet the increasing capacity demands in the East Anglia region.'
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But Ms Truss said: 'Business and tourism, regular rail commuters, all want shorter journeys and I will be speaking to Govia Thameslink later this week raising my concerns about this proposal.
'I have been in contact with the Fenline Users Association (FLUA) and will be seeking further input from local councils and business associations.
'We all recognise that timetables from time to time need to be adjusted, for example with the addition of the new railway station at Cambridge North station, and I have been pressing for the upgrade of the Ely North rail junction which once upgraded will allow for more trains and alleviate congestion.
'However extending travel times is not a move in the right direction and one that I am not supportive of.'
MORE - New trains introduced to Fen LineGovia has introduced new trains on the Lynn to London line, which it says provide 'a very fast and very reliable service'. The ride is quieter and smoother, with plug sockets, larger tables and free wifi for passengers.
