To the elation of travellers and commuters alike, Northern Trains has announced the launch of the “Yorkshire Flyer”, a new fast service between Sheffield and Leeds.
The new service allows riders to travel between the cities in a mere 47 minutes, and will provide more than 30,000 extra seats a week.
“Our customers have been calling for faster trains between Leeds and Sheffield for some time,” says Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director. “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.”
Before the launch of the new service, it used to take customers around an hour or longer just to make the journey, with constant stops in-between taking up precious time.
But now, the trip has been substantially shortened, with only one stop at Wakefield Westgate.
The line runs every hour in both directions, alongside the hourly fast CrossCountry service that links Leeds and Sheffield.
Ellis Crookes, a student at the University of Sheffield, says the new service couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I usually drive up to Leeds but my car broke down yesterday, so the new train line makes a good alternative,” she said.
The new service also provides opportunities for economic growth between the two bustling cities.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Cutting journey times and adding thousands more seats each week makes a real, tangible difference for people getting to work, college, university or just out and about.”
Sam Dean, a resident of Leeds and student at the University of Sheffield sees the line as a new opportunity to expand the job search.
“I live in Leeds but I work and study in Sheffield,” he said. “Finding jobs here is really difficult, especially for students but with a shorter commute available I can look for jobs in Leeds too, and have a better work-life balance. It’s also pretty cheap.”
Photo Credits: Northern Trains