Nottingham - Skegness passenger loadings

[Russel]

Afternoon...

My son has the day off school on Friday 23rd May due to a teacher training day, so I was thinking of taking him for a ride out to Skegness for the day, since I've not done the Notts-Skegness route since EMT HST days and he'll enjoy the arcades when we get there.

What are the loadings like these days the week before half terms?

I remember in previous years EMT used to operate a queueing system at Nottingham and if there's a chance I'll have to queue and risk having to wait an hour for the next service as I couldn't board the service I intended to then I think I'll give it a miss and come up with another plan.

Thanks.

 

[duffield]

Looks like last year the queuing system didn't start until 7th July. Assuming EMR know what they're doing and the same applies this year, I wouldn't expect the trains to be impossible to board (or get a seat on) when you're travelling.

 

[Russel]

Looks like last year the queuing system didn't start until 7th July. Assuming EMR know what they're doing and the same applies this year, I wouldn't expect the trains to be impossible to board (or get a seat on) when you're travelling.

Thanks, I'll see what plan I can cobble together, it's been at least 10 years since I last did the Poacher line, from memory it was on a pair of 153's!

Assuming the queueing system is timed the same at the Skegness end too?

 

[duffield]

Thanks, I'll see what plan I can cobble together, it's been at least 10 years since I last did the Poacher line, from memory it was on a pair of 153's!

Assuming the queueing system is timed the same at the Skegness end too?

As far as the new priority queueing system, as used at Nottingham from July goes, I'm sure that won't be in operation at Skeg either on 23rd May.

However I think outside of that period they may still keep people off the platforms in a queue until 10 minutes before departure, because that's just how they do it at Skeg. But there shouldn't be any danger of being unable to board.

 

[LowLevel]

On a Friday the trains will be fairly busy.

If you go on one of the earlier trains you'll be fine. 10 11 and 12xx departures from Nottingham tend to be busy.

Returning shouldn't be an issue.

 

[tram21]

There's absolutely no queuing of any kind outside of summer holidays, and even then its quite rarely used.

You'll be absolutely fine. At Skegness a 'queue' is always put in place waiting for boarding to start, but not in the way you won't get onboard.

The train will be in the station early at both stations, but in particular Nottingham and will probably be unlocked early, allowing you time to find a seat early.

Enjoy your trip when it comes!

 

[Russel]

However I think outside of that period they may still keep people off the platforms in a queue until 10 minutes before departure, because that's just how they do it at Skeg. But there shouldn't be any danger of being unable to board.

I did get Blackpool North vibes, the last time I was there, but it makes sense to let one train unload before letting anyone else on the platform to board.

On a Friday the trains will be fairly busy.

If you go on one of the earlier trains you'll be fine. 10 11 and 12xx departures from Nottingham tend to be busy.

Returning shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks, I'd probably be looking at the service that leaves Nottingham at about 0745 so should be fine!

 

[LowLevel]

I did get Blackpool North vibes, the last time I was there, but it makes sense to let one train unload before letting anyone else on the platform to board.


Thanks, I'd probably be looking at the service that leaves Nottingham at about 0745 so should be fine!

0745 should be fine. Gets busy with school kids if they're in to Bottesford and Grantham but otherwise quiet.

 

[Russel]

0745 should be fine. Gets busy with school kids if they're in to Bottesford and Grantham but otherwise quiet.

Excellent, I may even try to fit in a a bus ride down to Mablethorpe and back!

My only concern now is relying on XC's Birmingham - Nottingham to get me to and from Tamworth.

 

[tram21]

Excellent, I may even try to fit in a a bus ride down to Mablethorpe and back!

Make sure you go on the Seasiders (the open top ones) if they're operating. If you have time the best bit is the best frequent bit up to Chapel St. Leonards.

Often they are substituted for enclosed buses due to their unreliability- look on bustimes.org for the ones which will be open top

 

[Russel]

Make sure you go on the Seasiders (the open top ones) if they're operating. If you have time the best bit is the best frequent bit up to Chapel St. Leonards.

Often they are substituted for enclosed buses due to their unreliability- look on bustimes.org for the ones which will be open top

I'd forgotten about the open top bus services!

I booked 4 nights in a caravan in Chapel St Leonards about 10 years ago, after the 2nd day, I started to question why...

 

[duffield]

Excellent, I may even try to fit in a a bus ride down to Mablethorpe and back!

My only concern now is relying on XC's Birmingham - Nottingham to get me to and from Tamworth.

XC Birmingham to Nottingham on Monday to Saturday (not Sunday!) seems to be reasonably reliable at present.

 

[Russel]

XC Birmingham to Nottingham on Monday to Saturday (not Sunday!) seems to be reasonably reliable at present.

True. I'm still bitter about them cancelling 3 in a row a couple of Sundays ago resulting in me having to get the bus home from Birmingham.

 

[Peter LEYTR]

Afternoon...

My son has the day off school on Friday 23rd May due to a teacher training day, so I was thinking of taking him for a ride out to Skegness for the day, since I've not done the Notts-Skegness route since EMT HST days and he'll enjoy the arcades when we get there.

What are the loadings like these days the week before half terms?

I remember in previous years EMT used to operate a queueing system at Nottingham and if there's a chance I'll have to queue and risk having to wait an hour for the next service as I couldn't board the service I intended to then I think I'll give it a miss and come up with another plan.

Thanks.

You should be ok, but I'd suggest avoiding travelling on a Monday or Friday. Usually busier those days as it's Butlin's changeover. Mostly 3 car turbos - you might even get the downgraded first class section. Just try to avoid being put off by the overgrown state of the ends of the platforms at the far ends!