A rail campaign group has welcomed the decision by TransPennine Express to introduce an additional late-night service but expressed disappointment that it will only

run for four weeks. Starting Saturday until August 30, a TransPennine Express train will depart from Edinburgh Waverley at 23:00 BST on weekdays, making stops at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, and Morpeth before arriving in Newcastle at 00:59.

The company says this service is aimed at allowing people attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to enjoy evening shows. Dennis Fancett, from the South East Northumberland Rail Users' Group (Senrug), commented, "It's good news, but Northumberland stations need a permanent service leaving Edinburgh at 23:00 or thereabouts to support the many evening activities in the city."

Additionally, TransPennine Express will run another service departing from Newcastle at 20:00 BST, stopping at Morpeth, Alnmouth, and Berwick, and arriving in Edinburgh at 22:00 BST. Fancett expressed hope for the service's popularity, adding, "It’s just a real pity the trains can’t run on Saturdays as well, which is when we believe there would be the highest demand, both during the Edinburgh Festival period and indeed throughout the year."

TransPennine Express (TPE) has been under government control since May 2023 following complaints about delays and cancellations. Adam Fairclough, head of customer experience at TransPennine Express, stated, "We are pleased to be able to offer extra services for those traveling during the Fringe Festival and to support the city of Edinburgh during this popular event."

The Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, is expected to attract over two million visitors, with thousands of shows taking place across more than 250 venues in and around the city. Photo by Rcsprinter123, Wikimedia commons.