Grim 2024 for Bradford passengers worsens as rail strike hits district

The first two months of this year could scarcely have been worse for the district's rail and bus users.

Already in 2024, they have had to contend with a concrete fall that closed Bradford Interchange bus station, a major landslip closing the railway near Baildon, and a bomb scare shutting the line at Apperley Bridge.

Police in Apperley Bridge after a shell was found near the railway (Image: Newsquest/Network Rail)

Now, a strike by the ASLEF union has brought fresh woe to train travellers, with no services at all operating today (Friday) across Northern's rail network.

Northern operates services on the Airedale line, which runs from Forster Square through Shipley, Bingley, Keighley and Skipton, the Wharfedale line, which runs to Ilkley, and the Calder Valley line, which runs from Bradford Interchange into Calderdale.

With a huge programme of roadworks causing tailbacks in and around Bradford city centre, the public transport problems in recent months have not helped matters, putting commuters in a no win situation.

A spokesperson for Northern said: "As a result of ASLEF strike action, there will be no Northern services on Friday 1 March."

Northern services into Bradford Interchange will not be operating today (Friday) kdue to a strike (Image: T&A)

Additional disruption is expected into Saturday due to action short of strike called by ASLEF where some short notice amendments to services may take place.

The spokesperson said: "Between 29 Feb - 2 March (during 'action short of strike'), we expect some late notice cancellations to services, particularly the first and last services of the day. Please check before travelling, as close to the time as possible."

LNER services are also affected by the strike action, with a spokesperson for the company saying: "Despite strike action by ASLEF drivers, LNER will run more than 30 services between London, Edinburgh & West Yorkshire. This is equivalent to 23% of our usual timetable."

ASLEF officials said its members at Northern were taking strike action today for what they called a "failure by the company to adhere to existing agreements."