A train operating company has run its first test train into the district ahead of the eagerly-anticipated launch of direct services to London next month.

A spokesman for Grand Central said “no problems” had emerged during the test, meaning services from Bradford Interchange to London Kings Cross should start as planned on Sunday, May 23.

The test run allowed the company to check the alignment of train doors with platforms along the route, because 125mph trains have never been used on the route before.

The trial run to the Interchange – through Halifax, Brighouse, Wakefield, Pontefract and Doncaster – also allowed the drivers and crew to carry out a route-learning exercise.

The service has been welcomed by Bradford Rail Users’ Group. Chairman James Vasey said: “The service is excellent news for Bradford. In addition to the new direct service to London, it will also provide extra capacity pressure on early morning journeys from Bradford to Halifax.

“Grand Central will be accepting MetroCard to all stations up to and including Pontefract. We hope that Grand Central will be able to add an additional service from London as there is a large gap in return afternoon services.”

The ‘West Riding’ service, which will provide three trains a day in each direction between the Interchange and King’s Cross, is expected to prove popular with Bradford’s business community.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive of the city’s chamber of commerce, said: “We are pleased to hear that plans are rolling out as initially hoped. We are fully behind the introduction of the new service as it gives businesses, and other commuters, another travel option.

“Direct rail services into and out of the capital are an important facility for supporting Bradford’s businesses. They will help create more business and so generate more wealth and jobs.”

Councillor Chris Greaves, deputy chairman of West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, Metro, also welcomed the new service. He said: “It is going to be particularly good for Bradford because at the moment there is virtually no direct service from Bradford to London.”

Although the timetable is yet to be confirmed, a report by Metro officers says weekday trains would depart Bradford at 6.51am, 10.22am and 3.46pm, and return at 10.48am, 2.48pm and 7.48pm.