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Extra trains planned as thousands head to London for Queen Elizabeth II remembrance

Extra trains are set to run through the night as people travel to London to pay their final respects to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. London Transport has already warned people of major delays and crowds during this time period. Officials are now finalising the plans for extra rail services as well-wishers head to the capital.

Train timetables are set to update online on an operator-by-operator basis over the next 24 to 48 hours. This will allow more people to see Her Majesty as she lies in state, as well as allow people to line for the procession for her funeral on Monday 19 September.

Network Rail which owns tracks, signals, and stations warn demand will steeple once Her Late Majesty is moved from Edinburgh to the Palace of Westminster. Well-wishers are urged to check schedules before they travel to London.

It is noted not all services will add additional travel options. Industry sources said the Government was reluctant to provide details of the extra rail services amid fears it could create additional demand. The Department for Transport (DfT), is facing a dilemma as it wants to suppress demand rather than encourage.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “The rail industry is doing all it can to ensure people can travel to pay their respects during the period of mourning. Where possible – we will be running some extra services and customers should check journey planners for the most up to date information. A very limited service will be operating through the night on some routes.”

The London Underground, one of the most popular travel options in London announced it will not have additional services but is rather imposing short-term safety measures. Those measures include closures, queuing, non-stop trains, or changes in which a customer enters or exits the station.

Up to one million people are expected to join queues to pay their final respects to Her Late Majesty during the Lying in State which starts Wednesday 14 September and ends just hours ahead of the State Funeral on Monday 19 September.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.