Council leader calls for cuts to rail service frequencies to be reversed

Monday, 16 May 2022 23:44

By Chris Young, Local Democracy Reporter

The Leader of Bradford Council has called for Northern to reinstate rail services on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines as soon as possible after cuts introduced this week.

Northern’s new timetable, which includes reduced services between Bradford and Shipley, Ilkley and Skipton, were introduced on Sunday. Changes at peak times include the cancellation of some trains, which were used by commuters to get to and from work and school.

Earlier this year Northern bosses said the reduced services were “short term” and due to problems resourcing existing services.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe has reiterated her opposition to timetable. With the reduced timetable set to come into force, Cllr Hinchcliffe and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin have met with Northern to seek assurances that services will be restored as planned by the end of the year at the latest, if not sooner.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “Together with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin I have stated my strong opposition to Northern and government over these cuts to train services, which are having a considerable impact on people’s day to day lives across our district. Commuters need to get to and from work and education as well as getting out and about to support local businesses, so it’s not acceptable for government or Northern to sell our district short – particularly at this time as we come out of the pandemic and we are working hard to build the strongest possible economic recovery.

“People living along the Airedale and Wharfedale lines and those who rely on services connecting Bradford and Halifax and beyond are facing unacceptable difficulties in getting about for work, school and college and leisure. That’s why we are a united voice in calling for the services to be reinstated at the earliest opportunity because regular reliable services are fundamental to making people’s lives easier and getting our economy moving.”

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