Northern launches new Yorkshire Flyer fast train between Leeds and Sheffield
The service connects Yorkshire's two biggest cities in just 47 minutes
Northern has launched a new fast train service aimed at cutting travel time between Leeds and Sheffield.
The Yorkshire Flyer was officially unveiled earlier today during an event held at Leeds station.
This service allows passengers to get between the two cities in just 47 minutes, a journey previously taking an hour or more.
The Yorkshire Flyer makes one stop at Wakefield Westgate and runs hourly in both directions, alongside the existing CrossCountry service.
Northern's commercial and customer director, Alex Hornby, said: “Our customers have been calling for faster trains between Leeds and Sheffield for some time. That’s why we are really excited to launch the Yorkshire Flyer.
"Running every hour every day, it offers customers a fast and straightforward alternative to taking the car. They can make affordable journeys with less faff, whether they’re travelling for work, university or days out with friends and family.
“The new Yorkshire Flyer will provide a more effective link between Yorkshire’s economic powerhouses and help drive growth."
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard both welcomed the initiative, emphasising the benefits of improved connectivity.
Brabin said: "The new Yorkshire Flyer service is a welcome addition for passengers travelling between Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield.
"Cutting journey times and increasing the number of seats makes travel between these three great Yorkshire cities by train far more attractive, improving links and helping to boost growth."
Coppard said: “Northern’s new fast service between Sheffield and Leeds is good news for passengers here in South Yorkshire and something I’ve been pushing for over recent years.”