Northern will press ahead with plans to cancel the 6.07am train service from Harrogate to Leeds, as well as some other services, despite lobbying from Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Andrew Jones.
The Stray Ferret reported this month that the 6.07am service — the first of the day — will be axed from May 15. Some evening services will also be cut.
The early service was popular with business travellers as a way to get to London King’s Cross before 9am.
The decision to cut the service was branded as “disgraceful” by Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group.
Urging a rethink
Last week, Andrew Jones MP wrote to the chairman of Northern, Robin Gisby, urging him to “rethink” reductions to the service between Harrogate and Leeds.
Mr Jones wrote that train services in Harrogate had got better over the past decade but cuts could risk losing these “hard-won improvements”.
However, a Northern spokesperson said today that the operator, which is now owned by the UK government, confirmed the cuts will still take place from May 15.
They said the cuts were primarily due to driver shortages and not a reduction in passengers since the pandemic.
However, the spokesperson added Northern will look to reinstate some services during the rest of 2022.
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The spokesperson said:
“We recognise that some of our customers are disappointed with the upcoming changes to their service. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
“Along with the rest of the industry, some amendments to the timetable will be made from 15 May 2022.
“For the remainder of the year, services will be reinstated where possible with the intention of a larger uplift in December 22.
“These reinstatements will take us more in line with December 2021 service levels although any changes are dependent on several factors. We will share the final plans when we can.”
Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate Line Supporters Group said news that the 6.07am cut would remain was “not good enough”.
He added:
“I was expecting them to keep that one. I’m very disappointed.”
