Northern Rail : May 2026 Timetable Change - Summary of Changes
Lincoln – Sheffield/Leeds
Following the standardization of the Lincoln to Sheffield/Leeds service each weekday, from May’ 26 we are now standardizing the Sunday service with services between Sheffield and Lincoln calling at all stations.
Leeds – York via Harrogate
The current trial will continue into the May 2026 timetable, with minor time adjustments to improve performance. This should have no impact to customer, other than improving reliability, as journey time is the same.
Additionally, where time permits 1 minute has been added in York bound trains at Knaresborough to add further performance benefits, with dwells at Skelton Jn reduced/removed as appropriate.
Doncaster – Scunthorpe
Following a review of performance towards Scunthorpe, minor time adjustments have been made to improve performance. This should have no impact to customer, other than improving reliability, as journey time is the same.
Bradford Interchange/Calder Valley
No changes
Northern have been continuing to seek a minimum of 3 ½ minute dwell on all Class 195 4-car diagram formations at Bradford interchange, however, there remains a handful of services where this is not possible for May 26. For Dec 26 we are working closely with Network Rail with the aim of eliminating the remaining sub 3 ½ minute dwells. This is to support traincrew managing their responsibilities efficiently during this reversal, enhanced performance and on time departure onwards towards Leeds or Manchester.
Leeds to Huddersfield paths
Continuation of the “interim state” service structure due to ongoing TRU work at Huddersfield.
Sheffield to Huddersfield paths
The current trial will continue into the May 2026 timetable, with minor time adjustments to improve performance. This should have no impact to customer, other than improving reliability, as journey time is the same.
As per previous years, NTL shall apply a leaf fall timetable. This will see most trains timed differently north of Clayton West Jn, at stations approaching Huddersfield.
The Sunday 2Lxx service is standardised, with calls added to 2L06, plugging a gap in direct provision of service to Leeds from intermediate stations.
(York / Sheffield) Hull to Bridlington/Scarborough
NTL have reviewed Sunday paths on this route and achieved greater standardisation of the service, giving a consistent hourly pattern during the day every hour.
Leeds – Bradford/Ilkley/Skipton/Carlisle/Morecambe
The current trial will continue into the May 2026 timetable, with minor time adjustments to improve performance. This should have no impact to customer, other than improving reliability, as journey time is the same.
Following a review of data, we are seeking several adjustments to reflect actual Sectional Run Times, trialing these changes to improve on-time performance across the Leeds North West services, Bentham Line and Settle & Carlisle line.
