Bedford station is expected to be significantly busier than usual over the Easter period, as passengers are diverted because of engineering work on the West Coast Main Line.
East Midlands Railway has warned that services will be under extra pressure from Friday, 3 April to Wednesday, 8 April, even though its own routes are not directly affected by the works.
EMR says people who would normally travel to and from London using the West Coast Main Line are being advised to use rail replacement buses between Milton Keynes and Bedford, before continuing their journeys on EMR or Thameslink services to London St Pancras.
That is expected to increase passenger numbers at both Bedford and London St Pancras.
A queuing system will be in place at St Pancras, and EMR has warned that passengers may not always be able to board their intended train.
Extra time advised
The operator is urging customers to allow more time for their journeys and check travel information before setting off.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers onto our services over the Easter Bank Holiday, and we want to reassure people that they can continue to travel with EMR as normal.
“However, due to engineering work affecting other routes into London, our services are expected to be much busier than usual.
“We encourage customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and be prepared for busier trains and stations, particularly at key locations such as London St Pancras and Bedford.
“Customers who would normally travel to or from London using the West Coast Main Line are strongly advised to use rail replacement bus services between Milton Keynes and Bedford.”
