Northern launches new Yorkshire Flyer fast service between Leeds and Sheffield

Known as the Yorkshire Flyer, as it provides a quick and convenient connection between the White Rose county’s two biggest cities, the service was officially launched during an event at Leeds station earlier today. 

Cutting journey times and providing more than 30,000 extra seats a week, the service will support economic growth by making it easier for people to get to work and reach new opportunities. 

It used to take all Northern customers around an hour or longer to make the journey, with trains calling at various stops along the way.

But the new service completes that journey in 47 minutes, making just one stop at Wakefield Westgate.

It will run once every hour in both directions, alongside the hourly fast CrossCountry service that links Leeds and Sheffield.

Northern continues to operate four stopping services per hour in both directions between the two cities, providing important connections to local communities. 

Alex Hornby, Northern's commercial and customer director, 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 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.

"Working with other Yorkshire mayors as part of our White Rose Partnership, and with operators to make our rail network more reliable and easier to use, we're creating a greener, better-connected region that works for all."

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver 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.

“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.

“I’m glad Northern has listened to what passengers have been asking for, and I’m glad to see the Yorkshire Flyer is becoming a reliable, everyday part of our transport network.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.