LNER is proud to announce new Azuma services will be introduced between Huddersfield and London King’s Cross from Monday 18 May 2020.
The daily weekday service in each direction will be LNER’s first direct link between the West Yorkshire market town and the capital. They will also connect nearby Dewsbury directly with London King’s Cross, after more than a generation of no direct services between Huddersfield and London.
The arrival of the services will coincide with the first anniversary of LNER’s introduction of the state-of-the-art Azuma trains on the East Coast route.
The new southbound service will depart from Huddersfield at 05:50 and Dewsbury at 06:01. The Azuma service will arrive in Leeds at 06:16, where it will couple to another five-car Azuma to form the 06:40 Leeds to London King’s Cross service, which will arrive in the capital at 08:51 on weekdays.
The evening northbound service will depart from London King’s Cross at 18:03 and will be formed of two five-car Azuma trains, which will split in Leeds, with one train continuing to Skipton and the other to Dewsbury, arriving at 20:45 and then Huddersfield at 20:58.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “The services will open up economic benefits for Huddersfield and the surrounding area. Better transport links for Huddersfield will create more opportunities for business travel and people wishing to make direct journeys between the capital and the West Yorkshire town, famous for its industrial past and proud textiles heritage.
“Our Azuma trains are revolutionising the customer experience for our passengers. They offer greater reliability, levels of comfort and accessibility, as well as more seats, improved WiFi, with first class onboard catering.”
The new services are also being welcomed by the local MP.
Colne Valley Conservative MP, Jason McCartney, said: “I’m delighted that LNER is delivering the first direct rail service between Huddersfield and London since the 1960s. This is a major boost for businesses, schools, colleges and all local residents in Huddersfield and the Colne Valley who’ll now be able to use this direct service and continue the growth of the Northern Powerhouse.”
The Azuma fleet brings significant environmental benefits. Azuma trains will run using overhead electric wires between London and Leeds. The bi-mode Azuma fleet will then operate under diesel power for the remaining 17 miles to and from Huddersfield.
After departing from Huddersfield, the trains will call at Dewsbury, Leeds, Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Newark Northgate and London King’s Cross.
LNER is growing its fleet with the introduction of 65 Azuma trains and working with Network Rail to deliver the East Coast Upgrade which, together, will mean further increases in our services in the coming years.
Photo Credit: LNER
