RAIL passengers in Scarborough and Malton are to benefit from improved services and trains.

TransPennine Express (TPE) is launching a new timetable, which will come into effect on May 20.

Additional services will be introduced improving connectivity as follows:

• New weekday departure from Scarborough at 0600 and Malton at 0624, timed to connect into the 0701 York to London King’s Cross service. This train will also run on a Saturday.

• New last weekday evening service departing Scarborough at 2246, calling at Malton at 2312 and terminating at York at 2335. This train will also run on a Saturday.

• The last service of the day on Sundays from Scarborough/Malton currently terminates at Leeds. From May 2018, this service will be extended to Manchester.

Leo Goodwin, managing director for TransPennine Express said: “This is one of the biggest timetable changes the north has seen and will deliver real benefits for those travelling for work or leisure.

“Customers in this part of the world are already benefitting from a £32million overhaul of our train fleet to like-new standard with the on-board experience having been totally transformed.

"The upgrade features new high-quality seating and carpets, charging points, fast, free Wi-Fi in both standard and first class plus access to free entertainment system, Exstream."

Cllr Luke Ives, chairman of Ryedale District Council’s policy and resources committee, added: “This major new investment will help to transform Ryedale’s rail services, supporting our businesses and residents through much improved connections."