 In 1954, due to a severe shortage of crews, and coal, the "Express" was withdrawn just days before Christmas, and replaced by an RM class Standard railcar service.The railcars were a considerable improvement over the "Express", operating twice daily in each direction and covering the journey in just 5.5 hours.The Standard railcars were augmented and replaced by the new, higher capacity RM 88-seater railcars the following year.