Anyone commute to London from Wellingborough or Kettering?

[ian_uk1975]

Currently commute from Northampton station, but thinking about buying a house closer to Kettering, so would be taking an East Midlands train from Kettering. Just wondering how busy that service is during the morning and evening peaks? Not sure if it originates at Kettering, or further up?

[ian_uk1975]

manic47 said:

I travel down from Wellingborough a bit.
Morning trains are usually heaving unless you get one before 7:15, coming back after 4:30 or so is always packed. Parking here is extortionate too....

Thanks for that... is it standing room only, or is it always still possible to find a seat? Kettering is before Wellingborough, so it might not be quite so busy there?

[ian_uk1975]

Liszt said:

I commute from Wellingborough and compared to Northampton it is a joy!
Similar parking prices but much more space.
Trains are proper Intercity not the London Midland cattle wagons. The trains are no where as crammed as the LM ones. I occaisionally upgrade to First for £17 but you get to enjoy a free breakfast on way in or a glass of wine on way back. And only 3 seats wide in First.

I moved from Northampton to Finedon and the commute is so much easier. St Pancras is much nicer than Euston too.

Unfortunately, things may change drastically with the electrification of the Midland mainline... there's a possibility it could end up with the same 'cattle wagons' as London Midland (ie. Desiro 350/2).