THE reintroduction of several Northern Rail Services was welcomed in Bradford.
Northern is due to change its timetables this Sunday when it restores a number of key services on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines which it abandoned during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For rail users in Bradford, it is a welcome boost after a period that has seen frequent train cancellations, numerous strike days and the scrapping of the long-term plan for a new station on the Northern Powerhouse Rail network.
Today’s more upbeat news will see Bradford – Ilkley / Skipton services restored to half an hour; Bradford–Huddersfield services were restored on time, along with Halifax–Bradford–Leeds–Hull service being restored on time.
Early and late services that were missing from schedules will also be reinstated.
This means residents of the Bradford district traveling to and from a number of stations such as IlkleyBen Rhydding, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Menston, Baildon, Shipley, Frizinghall, Saltaire, Bingley, Crossflatts, Keighley and Steeton and Silsden are eligible for restored services.
Councilor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and West Chair yorkshire Transport Committee, said: ‘We have been lobbying Northern for many months to get these services up and running again, so this is very good news for our residents, schools, colleges and businesses who have been affected.
“Passengers using the Airedale and Wharfedale lines – including young people traveling to and from school – have been severely hampered by the cuts.
“After the closures, there has been a strong rebound in demand for train and bus services in the North compared to other parts of the country, so we need to see the government and operators respond to demand with reliable service.”
The restoration of northern services was welcomed by Bradford Grammar School, which also lobbied for timetables to be reinstated, and businesses in Ilkley and Bradford.
Homera Najib, Scholar at Bradford Grammar School, said: “We are delighted that the full train timetable has been restored. Over 300 Bradford Grammar pupils use the trains every day, so it will be a relief for many of our families.
Ian White, Chairman of Ilkley Company Improvement District (BID) said: “We are delighted to see full train service restored. Not only will this be welcomed by residents of Ilkley and surrounding areas who rely on the train to get to work or school, but it will give greater opportunities and flexibility for visitors to travel to Ilkley.”
Jonny Noble, Bradford BID manager, added: “Earlier this year we partnered with Ilkley and Keighley The offers to ensure that these cuts to major district rail services are rolled back as soon as possible.
“We are delighted that the message has finally got through and that travel is becoming easier again for commuters, retail customers, service users, workers, students and holidaymakers.”
Northern has been contacted for comment.
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