The introduction of additional train services between London and Shipley has been delayed, a recent transport meeting revealed. Platforms at Shipley railway station were extended earlier this year to accommodate the extra trains, which were originally due to start stopping in October.

LNER, which runs the Bradford to London King’s Cross route, confirmed the delay was caused by technical issues with its fleet, with services now expected to begin in December 2025. Currently, only two daily services operate from Monday to Saturday, calling at Shipley. Once the additional trains are introduced, this will increase to seven weekday services, with a further train on Sundays.

Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, expressed frustration at the hold-up, saying:

"The work to extend the platform had been done to meet the initial deadline and to find out 'the rail stock isn't ready was very frustrating. We need a lot more detail around this and for it to get sorted out. Having these extra trains will be so beneficial – the whole district will benefit."

The delay was discussed at a West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport meeting on 29 October. A report presented to the meeting indicated that the issue was “out of the authority's hands” and linked to a technical update across LNER’s fleet.

LNER provided further context, saying:

"Following the completion of extension work to platform 4 at Shipley, LNER will soon be more than tripling its service from London King's Cross to Shipley. We are currently in the process of completing a technical update across the full LNER fleet which will allow all of our services from the capital to Bradford Forster Square to call at Shipley. We expect this to be complete in the coming weeks, with services to be introduced in December 2025."

The additional services follow major upgrades elsewhere in Bradford, including the opening of Platform 0 at Bradford Forster Square station earlier this year. This £35 million investment from the government was designed to enable more direct trains to London, supporting increased connectivity across the district.

Image: LNER