Nottinghamshire by Train (Robin Hood Train Line)

Member Name: daseaford

Product:	Robin Hood Train Line
Date:	26/02/01 (1321 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Popular Train Service.

Disadvantages: No Sunday Service.

Until four years ago Mansfield had the infamous title of being the largest town in England without a railway station.

Since the Beeching cutbacks the train line in Mansfield had only been used for freight trains (mainly carrying coal for the local collieries). After a huge investment, involving the re-building of most of the stations and the construction of a new tunnel, the line was re-opened in stages. Now completed the Robin Hood line runs from Nottingham to Worksop (a total of 13 stations) with Mansfield about mid-way along the route.

The trains run once an hour in each direction. At peak times and on Saturdays this is every 30 minutes. What is disappointing is that there is no Sunday service. I find this surprising as a lot of the area served by this train line is popular with tourists heading for Sherwood Forest and many other attractions in the area. A big change I would like to see is a later time for the last train each night. Currently the last trains are just after nine o?clock at night and in my opinion this is too early. If you are returning from any distance then the time you have to start your return journey always seems very early.

During a recent visit to Manchester we had to leave before six o?clock for our return journey. On the way home the train was delayed and this meant we missed the last train on the Robin Hood line and we had to travel the last fifteen miles home by bus (an additional cost of £7).

The service has proved extremely popular and another complaint is that the trains do sometimes get very crowded. We understand that Central Trains (who operate the service) are currently considering purchasing additional trains or extra carriages for the existing trains.

If the fares are compared to the equivalent bus journeys in every case they are cheaper and the journey times are always quicker. As well as the standard fares there are a number of saver ticket options and weekly or longer period season
tickets are also available.

Provided with each copy of the Robin Hood line timetable is a voucher to purchase two return tickets from any station on the line to a number of specific stations around the country for only £10 each. The destinations include Liverpool, Cardiff, Manchester, Scarborough, Norwich and Cambridge. We have used these offers on a number of occasions for a day?s outing.

The stations at Nottingham, Mansfield and Worksop are staffed and have ticket offices, whereas all the other stations are unmanned and tickets are purchased from the conductor on the train. The unmanned stations all have monitors displaying train information and all have CCTV surveillance.

All of the stations have car parks, the majority of which are free, and CCTV also covers these.

Cycles are carried free of charge on the trains, but there is a limited amount of space for bikes on the trains. At some stations there are secure cycle lockers which are also free of charge.

All of the Robin Hood line trains carry ramps to allow access for wheelchairs.

The trains are always kept clean and for the majority of the time they are punctual.

When the Robin Hood line opened the local people were unsure as to how useful this service would be, but the line has continued to increase in its popularity.

A recent addition to the service has been the opening of the restored station buildings at the Mansfield station. As well as the ticket office, waiting room, and toilets there is an electronic travel planner, which is very easy to use.

If you are planning a trip in Nottinghamshire and fancy having a rest from driving then I suggest you consider using the Robin Hood line train service.

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