Connecting Communities: TPE Reconnects West Yorkshire with Direct Rail Service After Half a Century

This is the first time since 1970 that the communities of Castleford and York have been connected with a daily direct service, made possible by the recently completed works from the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Chris Jackson, Managing Director for TransPennine Express, said: “We are honoured to provide the first direct train between Castleford and York in more than 50 years, and we’re delighted that this service, introduced in our December timetable change, will boost connectivity across West Yorkshire.”

In addition to this, Wakefield will have its first daily direct service to Manchester since 2004, and Normanton will also have direct connections to both Manchester and York.

Chris added: “This significant milestone has been made possible due to the first fully completed passenger infrastructure works as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

“Not only are we able to connect communities, but this infrastructure enables a key diversionary route for TPE, allowing us to keep customers on the move throughout engineering works and other disruption.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Introducing these new services builds on the significant investment we have put into Castleford Railway Station over the last few years, including a new station building and improved facilities for passengers.

“More trains can only be a good thing – boosting connectivity and opportunities for people in our region.

“But we want to go further, and I will continue to push for more frequent and reliable services so that public transport becomes the first choice for travel in a better-connected West Yorkshire.”

The new service operates four trains per day in each direction between Manchester and York, via Huddersfield, Wakefield and Castleford, with one additional service per day each way between Manchester and Wakefield, via Huddersfield.