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Passenger train stops at Soham station for first time in 56 years
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Passengers boarded the first train to stop at Soham railway station in 56 years today (Monday).
A 6.49am Greater Anglia service to Peterborough stopped off at the single-platform station, the first time that has happened since 1965.
Last month, there was an ‘unofficial’ opening at Soham station as part of a practice exercise to carry out Network Rail tests.
SE Cambs MP Lucy Frazer said she is “delighted Soham station has reopened.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
“I believe it can act as a springboard for enhancing rail services in our area by helping us make the case for reinstating the loop near Newmarket, which could provide a direct rail service between Ely, Soham, Newmarket and Cambridge.
“I have campaigned for this station since before I was elected and am delighted that it has now come to fruition.”
SE Cambs MP Lucy Frazer (centre) at Soham railway station. - Credit: Lucy Frazer MP
Dr Nik Johnson, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, officially opened Soham station by unveiling a plaque, marking the end of a campaign to bring railway services back to Soham.
Dr Johnson said: "We need more green, clean public transport for the public good - and this new station is proof that, together, we can make it happen.”
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson (second from right) officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
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Former mayor James Palmer was in attendance at the opening ceremony, along with Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, residents and rail enthusiasts.
The Combined Authority funded the £18.6m station, which was being built by Network Rail since spring.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: "The community has been so supportive throughout the development of this project.
“I to want to express our gratitude to everyone who has worked with us to make to make this project a reality."
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Soham station has been built by Network Rail and its contractor J Murphy and Sons Ltd close to the site of the old station which closed in 1965.
It was supposed to be ready next year but was brought forward by five months to, according to Network Rail, “help deliver the benefits of a new station sooner for the community.”
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Residents, musicians and rail enthusiasts attended the official opening of Soham railway station. - Credit: Terry Harris
Trains are due to run in each direction every two hours, with eight trains in each direction Monday to Saturday and six on a Sunday.
Passengers will be offered options to get to Ely, March and Peterborough or to Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Ipswich from Soham.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson officially opened Soham railway station, where the first train stopped for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Terry Harris
Residents, musicians and rail enthusiasts attended the official opening of Soham railway station. - Credit: Terry Harris
Residents, musicians and rail enthusiasts attended the official opening of Soham railway station. - Credit: Terry Harris
Passengers welcomed the first train to stop at Soham station for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Christopher Scurrah
Passengers welcomed the first train to stop at Soham station for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Christopher Scurrah
Passengers welcomed the first train to stop at Soham station for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Christopher Scurrah
Passengers welcomed the first train to stop at Soham station for the first time in 56 years. - Credit: Christopher Scurrah
