19.12.19
Northern welcomes new link between East and West Yorkshire
Rail Operator, Northern Railway, is celebrating the improved links between East and West Yorkshire today (Dec 19) following the introduction of a new service on the network, providing a direct service between Halifax and Hull.
The new route comes as part of Northern’s newly published timetable, aiming to provide customers a more reliable and stable service across their network.
Steve Hopkinson, regional director at Northern, said:
“I’m delighted to have been able to introduce this new service which provides a great link between two of Yorkshire's iconic locations - and all points in between.
“We are determined to give our customers greater flexibility and better connectivity and this new service provides fantastic journey opportunities across the breadth of Yorkshire.”
Today’s celebration ceremony saw local councillors and the business community at Hull Paragon Station join together to wave off the Class 158 train on its way to Halifax.
Steve added:
“The launch event shows not only how important this service is for our customer, but also the support it has from the local community.
“The improved links will provide new commuting and leisure opportunities which will help contribute to economic development at all points on the route.”
This service is one of more than 2,000 additional services that has been introduced by Northern since 2016.
It also forms part of the rail operator’s modernisation of its network and improved services for passengers.
There have been 52 brand new trains introduced into service, with a further 49 to be brought in throughout 2020, as part of a £500m investment.
In addition to the new trains, the existing fleet is being refurbished and all stations are undergoing improvements.