Early morning trains from Harrogate and Knaresborough to Leeds are to be reinstated in December.
Rail operator Northern has confirmed to the Harrogate Line Supporters Group that the company will revert to its December 2021 timetable.
It means the 6.07am and 6.33am services will return, and hourly rather than two-hourly trains will operate in the evening.
Northern reduced services in May, blaming lack of resources and the need to recruit and train more drivers.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones was among those criticising the move.
Pete Myers, stakeholder manager at Northern, has written to the Harrogate Line Supporters Group saying Network Rail has approved its plans to revert to the December 2021 timetable.
Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, welcomed the news, saying:
“This is what we have wanted all along. They cancelled services without consulting with us or anybody and got quite a backlash for it.”
Read more:
- Harrogate commuters frustrated as early trains axed today
- Andrew Jones MP urges Northern to ‘rethink’ cuts to Harrogate trains
Which services are affected?
Mr Dunsby detailed what the changes will mean to commuters.
“This means that the 6.07 and 6.33 services to Leeds will be reinstated calling at all stations and due into Leeds at 06:44 and 07:10 respectively.
“These are very important for business and leisure travellers to London and other destinations from Leeds.
“They also hope to reinstate the 08:05 service from Harrogate to Leeds due into Leeds at 08.41.
“They also hope to reinstate the 16:29 service from Leeds via Harrogate to York, departing Harrogate at 17:05 and due into York at 17:42.
“Also reinstated should be the 18:13 service from York to Leeds via Harrogate departing Harrogate at 18:47 and due into Leeds at 19:23.
“Also reinstated should be the 19:29 service from Leeds to York, departing Harrogate at 20:05 and due into York at 20:44.
“Also reinstated should be the 21:10 service from York to Leeds, departing Harrogate at 21:44 and due into Leeds at 22:21.
“Also reinstated should be the 22:39 service from Leeds to Harrogate and due into Harrogate at 23:16.
“These services should all certainly be reinstated from December 11, 2022 and possibly from September 2022 if their driver training schedule continues as planned.
“This is very good news for Harrogate Line passengers. Many thanks to the Northern rail management team for responding to our pleas.”
