Colchester commuters will benefit from new cross-regional routes and more trains to London when a new timetable is introduced.

Train operator One is starting direct routes to Lowestoft and Peterborough, while the number of Norwich to London Liverpool Street trains, which call at Colchester, will increase from 65 each day to 70.

The frequency and speed of trains to and from London will "be more or less as they are now", according to a One spokesman.

He said: "This is a timetable that is better planned and delivers improved frequency."

The new timetable, which comes into effect on December 12, has been broadly welcomed by Colchester Rail Users' Association.

Published Thursday, September 30, 2004