Trains operator LNER has vowed to add a new Peterborough to London morning service in the wake of anger from city commuters over timetable changes.

A new 7.43am departure to London will be added to existing services over the next few week – and will mean an addition of about 600 seats each weekday morning.

The move follows a major timetable change that reduced services to the capital and left Peterborough with a 40-minute gap in services, with the last available LNER train to London before 9am leaving at 7.34am.

The changes had provoked anger from many commuters who faced over-crowded trains to London during the week.

LNER is to add an extra morning Peterborough to London service after complaints from commuters

placeholder image — LNER is to add an extra morning Peterborough to London service after complaints from commuters

Since the start of the year, the 7.34am has often been standing room only and some reports suggest nearly 200 people were waiting for the train on some days.

Peterborough commuter anger at 'crowded' trains to London after service timetabl...

Peterborough MP Andrew said that in a bid to reduce overcrowding, LNER introduced dynamic pricing on the 7.34am service but this led to a surge in Advance tickets, with one-way fares rising by up to £30 on some days.

The anger from commuters prompted Mr Pakes to challenge LNER to take action over the changes.

Mr Pakes and North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling have met LNER representatives several times to press for changes.

And Mr Pakes also met the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, who backed calls for extra stops in Peterborough.

Mr Pakes said: “Peterborough has been a railway city for generations, and many people choose to live here because of rail connections.

"The new timetable has created problems for many morning commuters trying to get to London for work.

“I’d like to thank LNER for listening to local concerns about the gap in morning services and responding by committing to introduce a new 7.43am service to London.

"This will help ease overcrowding and improve choice for passengers.

"I also welcome LNER’s constructive engagement on concerns around pricing on the earlier 7.34am departure, and their swift action to resolve this.

“There are still creases to iron out, including shorter trains, but this is a good start, particularly alongside LNER’s order for new ten-coach tri-mode trains which will provide additional capacity in due course.”

An LNER spokesperson said: "Following the introduction of the new East Coast Main Line timetable, we have been listening to and have acted upon feedback from morning commuters to increase peak-time capacity at Peterborough station.

"After working closely with local stakeholders, we will be introducing a 07.43 departure towards London, which will add nearly 600 seats every weekday morning.

"This will make customer journeys more comfortable and help to spread demand with more options for commuters.

He added: “More widely, the new East Coast Main Line timetable continues to be a positive change for Peterborough, with another 18 services every weekday between the city and London, and improved connectivity to other destinations on the route."

“The change is already included in the May 2026 timetable change, and LNER is working with industry colleagues to introduce it as soon as possible before then - with a target date of mid-February.”