It is also the closest station to East Midlands Airport, some 4 miles (6.4 km) away, but without public transport link.

East Midlands Parkway is located near the village of Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, close to the River Trent.

Fears were raised by various bodies including East Midlands Airport, about the service pattern proposed for the new station in 2008.

[9] People in nearby towns including Loughborough voiced their concerns that the opening of the station could lead to the reduction in the number of trains stopping there, although this was denied by former operator Midland Mainline.

Another concern was the possible withdrawal of the existing bus service from Loughborough station to East Midlands Airport.

[citation needed] In 2011-12, East Midlands Parkway attracted just over one third of the projected annual passengers.

[13] East Midlands Parkway is a staffed station with four platforms and a ticket office, which is open 06:00–19:30 on Mondays to Saturdays and 07:30–19:30 on Sundays.

Other facilities include: When opened 2009, East Midlands Parkway was one of the greenest stations in the United Kingdom.

[14] In late 2009, East Midlands Parkway became a penalty fare station, so a valid ticket or permit to travel must be shown when requested.

The IRP also confirmed the rest of the Midland Line would be electrified, reversing a previous decision to cancel electrification.