Documentary following East Coast rail employees as they work to maintain one of the UK's busiest transport networks. Cameras follow breakfast crews as they struggle to stay enthusiastic while serving sleep-deprived early-morning commuters. Rookie station security recruit Liam is asked to investigate an alarming situation, and a veteran platform attendant dispatches his last-ever train at York Station before retiring.
It's Easter and staff up and down the line are bracing themselves for the busiest weekend of the year, and the railway chaplain hosts a charity shoe-polishing event. Police have to intervene at Newcastle station to deal with four rowdy passengers, while a cross-country journey reunites a pair of long-distance lovers who first met on an East Coast train.
The East Coast train named after former England manager Sir Bobby Robson makes its way from London to Edinburgh, and receives a particularly warm welcome in Newcastle from a group of race-goers on a winning streak. Meanwhile, controller Daz finds himself looking after some very active lost property.
The night shift is in full swing at the East Coast's sprawling maintenance depot, until a signal problem threatens to derail the schedule. The service staff on the Flying Scotsman reveal how they are ruled by a tight deadline, while a flock of train spotters glimpses a rare steam-powered locomotive at York station.
Staff at York station have a busy time coping with bank holiday crowds and passengers making their way to the races. While information controller Julie manages to enjoy the atmosphere, new train dispatcher Liam is run ragged. Plus, East Coast rail employees prepare for their very own red carpet awards ceremony.