Train service linking Bradford with Hull to be scrapped due to "poor reliability"

A train service linking two Cities of Culture is to be scrapped to tackle “poor reliability.”

Northern is planning major changes to its Hull to Halifax service, which stops at Leeds and Bradford.

The rail operator says the service is often heavily delayed, and these delays mean it is regularly terminated at Bradford or Leeds.

To tackle the issue, the Hull train will now stop at Leeds – no longer continuing on to Bradford and Halifax.

Passengers wanting to travel to Hull from Bradford will now have to change in Leeds.

But Northern claims other local routes will be improved as part of the shake up.

The proposed changes were discussed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Weaver Network Board on Thursday.

A report to the board said: “Northern is currently consulting the Combined Authority on a proposed timetable change affecting services between Hull, Selby, Leeds, Bradford and Halifax, and between Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield.

“The Hull–Leeds–Bradford–Halifax service has experienced poor reliability for some time. Delays occurring on either side of Leeds often affect the wider route, meaning services are regularly terminated early at Leeds or Bradford and do not reach Halifax as planned.

“To improve performance, Northern has proposed that Hull services would terminate at Leeds and no longer continue to Bradford and Halifax.

“To maintain connectivity, the Bradford–Halifax–Huddersfield service would be extended to start and finish at Leeds.

“The main impacts of the proposal would be:

• Improved reliability and punctuality across a wider area of the network.
• Halifax, Bradford, New Pudsey and Bramley would lose regular direct services to Cross Gates, East Garforth, Micklefield and stations further east to Selby and Hull, with passengers needing to change trains at Leeds. However, all of these stations except Bramley would retain direct services to Garforth and stations onwards to York.
• Low Moor, Brighouse and, in future, Elland would gain a second hourly service to Leeds, providing more frequent connections.

“Combined Authority officers consider there is a strong case for the proposed change. While some passengers would lose direct services, the overall benefits from improved reliability are expected to outweigh these disadvantages.”

Peter Carlill, Labour Councillor for Calverley and Farsley, raised concerns about the impact on rail passengers using Pudsey station.

He said the withdrawal of the service will leave a “gap” at peak times in the morning commute.

He said: “I regretfully accept the loss of this service if it does bring wider benefits.”