Easement 700520

[mikeg]

700520 During engineering work on Sundays between 25/05/2014 and 15/06/2014, direct services between Middlesborough and York routed 'not via Darlington' will travel via Darlington

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I'm planning a trip to Whitby this Sunday, and yes I know it will involve the dreaded rail replacement bus but I have two questions about this easement:

Is it restricted to certain trains (i.e. those that normally wouldn't go via Darlington?) - it doesn't say it is so I'm assuming no.

Would it be valid on a York-Whitby CDR not via Darlington if starting short at Thirsk/Northallerton? I ask this as to arrive into Whitby at any meaningful time it is necessary to get the first train which involves a train to Darlo and then a bus from Darlo to MBR.

Thanks in advance,
Mike.

 

[ASharpe]

Sundays between 25/05/2014 and 15/06/2014

This Sunday being the 22/6/14, I don't think you can use that easement.

 

[mikeg]

D'oh! Didn't notice that! Looks like we're splitting at Middlesbrough then.

 

[ASharpe]

Easy to miss.

The via darlington easements are generally used when the TPX trains can't get through Yarm, they go up the ECML to Darlo and then to Thornaby. The easement lets you get a TPX through train for the same price as you normally would.

However this Sunday Eaglescliffe is closed to trains so the normal and diversion route are blocked, so rail replacement buses are being put on instead. As there are no through trains at all I imagine they see no need to let you go the long way around on other TOCs without paying more.