Christmas timetable announced for West Yorkshire rail passengers

Yesterday (Wednesday, 3rd December), Network Rail and Northern have announced their final plans for rail services on the 27th, 28th and the 29th December. These plans allow major improvement work to commence at Leeds station.

During these three days, platforms 1-5 will be closed for the work to continue on a major project to construct a new platform at the station, test new signalling equipment, make changes to the track layout and install new overhead line equipment.

Therefore, the capacity will be reduced at Leeds until the work is done. Network Rail and Northern have worked hard to keep as many trains running as possible. However, there will be some changes to services.

Passengers are being advised to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries, or with their train operator.

On Monday, 18 November, they announced the most significant impact on services would be felt on the Harrogate to Leeds service. This impact is due to there being no direct rail link while the improvement works are carried out. A rail replacement bus service will operate between Leeds and Horsforth to replace the train services until the work has finished.

Network Rail and Northern announced final changes to services in and out of Leeds as they keep things moving while the major improvement works are carried out at the station over Christmas.

Passengers travelling between Leeds and Bradford have to use Bradford Interchange, due to no direct services to Forster Square. Passengers at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge are being advised to use the Skipton to Leeds service instead.

Trains from Hull to Halifax will be starting and terminating at Leeds. Services between Leeds and Halifax will be partially reduced, with three services running per hour instead of four. Services between Leeds and Blackpool will also call at Bramley to maintain three trains per hour for passengers using this station.

What did the officials have to say?

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail's North and East Route, said:

“The work we are carrying out over Christmas is hugely important and will keep plans to transform Leeds station well on track.

“Losing capacity at five platforms in the station means this is a significant piece of work. We've worked really hard with our partners at Northern to keep disruption to an absolute minimum, and maintain the maximum possible services into Leeds while the upgrade is underway.

“We know this work will cause some inconvenience and we're really sorry for anyone whose journey is affected. Ultimately, this work will bring a more reliable and resilient railway for the 30million plus passengers who use Leeds station every year.”

Steve Hopkinson, Regional Director at Northern, said:

“This vital work being carried out by Network Rail will pave the way for better journeys for our customers.

“The improvement work is part of detailed plans to improve the rail infrastructure and, when complete, will enable the station to operate more efficiently and build-in improved reliability and punctuality. The new platform at Leeds will also allow Northern to operate our longer brand-new trains from Leeds, giving customers a significant step-change in journey experience.

“We are working hard to keep delays and disruption to an absolute minimum and I'm grateful for the understanding and patience I am sure our customers will show during the work.”

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