All aboard for new train service to London
FIRST DIRECT RAIL LINK TO CAPITAL FOR OVER 50 YEARS
HUDDERSFIELD will get its own direct rail link to London, it has been announced.
Train operator LNER has announced the introduction of a new daily weekday service from 18 May that will connect Huddersfield Station with London King’s Cross.
The new service to London will depart Huddersfield at 5.50am Monday-Friday, calling at Dewsbury 11 minutes later and arriving into Leeds at 6.16am, where it will join another five-car service that departs for King’s Cross at 6.40am.
Passengers will arrive in the capital at 8.51am, meaning a total journey time of just over three hours from Huddersfield.
The returning service will leave King’s Cross at 6.03pm and split at Leeds. One train will head to Skipton, while the other will pass through Dewsbury at 8.45pm and then arrive back in Huddersfield at 8.58pm, meaning a slightly shorter journey time of two hours and 55 minutes.
The announcement brings to an end a period of more than 50 years with no direct services connecting Huddersfield to the capital.
The arrival of the Grand Central service in 2011 linked stations in Bradford, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield and Wakefield with London, but this is the first time since the 1960s that Huddersfield has had its own direct link.
LNER managing director David Horne said: “The services will open up economic benefits for Huddersfield and the surrounding area.
“Better transport links for Huddersfield will create more opportunities for business travel and people wishing to make direct journeys to the capital.”
Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney said: “I’m delighted that LNER is delivering the first direct rail service between Huddersfield and London since the 1960s.
“This is a major boost for businesses, schools, colleges and all local residents in Huddersfield and the Colne Valley who’ll now be able to use this direct service and continue the growth of the Northern Powerhouse.”
The arrival of the new services will coincide with the first anniversary of the introduction of LNER’s Azuma trains, which will be in use for the new service.
LNER say the trains offer greater reliability and comfort, as well as more seats and improved wifi.
The trains will use electric power between Leeds and London, but will run on diesel power between Huddersfield and Leeds.
The new service is being introduced as part of planned timetable change in May.
Tickets will go on sale from this Friday.