A new direct train service from Bradford to London has welcomed its first passengers today.

The London North Eastern Railway (LNER) Azuma left Bradford Forster Square at 8.43am today, giving the district better rail links to the capital.

The additional service will leave Shipley station at 8.50am, with commuters now not having to change at Leeds to travel to King’s Cross.

In addition to the morning service, an extra return direct service will depart London at 4.33pm.

News Shopper:

This new service will mean on weekdays there are three direct trains daily between Shipley and London and two from London to Shipley.

The Hitachi-built fleet is modelled on the Japanese bullet train and will cut journey times by accelerating faster than existing rolling stock.