Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Ike & Tina Turner

Proud Mary

Listen Live Podcasts

Northern to provide extra seating on Ilkley and Skipton trains

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 08:38

Thousands of extra seats will be made available on some Northern services.

Northern passengers will be provided with thousands of extra seats on busy routes in Yorkshire.

The train operator will begin introducing more six-carriage services between Leeds, Ilkley, Skipton and Bradford Forster Square this week, providing more than 5,400 extra seats a day for customers on weekdays and Saturdays.

All of the electric trains which run on these lines currently have three or four carriages.

But Northern is now working to ensure at least one in six of these trains has six carriages.

Many will run during the busiest periods of the day on these routes, which are some of the best performing on Northern’s network.

More than 99% of services running between Leeds, Ilkley, Skipton and Bradford Forster Square ran without cancellation in May.

It comes alongside a Network Rail project to extend platforms to accommodate longer trains at Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge, Shipley, Bingley, Guiseley, Menston and Burley in Wharfedale.

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern in Yorkshire, said:

“We have been working hard to run a reliable service for customers on these routes and are now focused on providing extra capacity to meet demand.

“These six-carriage services will provide customers with more space and extra seats during the busiest periods so they can enjoy a more comfortable journey.”

Passengers should check posters and information screens or ask conductors to find out which doors they can use to get on and off six-carriage trains.

Cononley and Steeton & Silsden stations have not been extended and passengers will be unable to alight from the two front carriages of the train.

More from Local news

Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham

A new changing places toilet has opened at the Malham National Park Visitor Centre as part of ongoing work to improve accessibility across the Yorkshire Dales.
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor

Powers to levy charges on overnight stays would be a total game changer, York and North Yorkshire’s mayor has said following a national announcement.
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner

Skipton Golf Club will host a golf day next month to raise money for local boy, Luke.
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases

North Yorkshire taxi drivers have urged councillors to allow a higher fare increase amid sharp rises in the cost of fuel caused by the Iran War.
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors

Devolution in York and North Yorkshire will fail if further decisions are taken that are York-centric, councillors warned today as a row over road repair funding intensified.
Craven Lawn Tennis Club to open grounds for fundraising weekend

A tennis club in Gargrave is set to open its grounds to the public as part of this year’s village Open Gardens fundraising weekend.
Tory councillor used photo of tragedy which claimed the lives of 116 children to make point on social media

A Conservative councillor has apologised after using a photo of a tragedy which claimed the lives of 116 children to make a point on social media.
Airedale Hospital's cancer team launch radiotherapy website

The cancer team at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new website designed to support patients preparing for radiotherapy treatment.
Skipton MP raises concerns over changes to 580 bus service

Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, along with Cllrs Simon Myers and David Staveley, has met with Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire to raise concerns about the service.
Lothersdale and Glusburn students to climb Yorkshire Three Peaks for Airedale Hospital

Three local boys are challenging themselves to climb the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Airedale Hospital and Community Charity.
Police investigate assault in Skipton

Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted in Skipton earlier this month.
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre calls for funds to keep the lights on

The Glusburn Community & Arts Centre are asking for help to raise funds to keep their lights on.
Northern passengers reminded some train times will change from Sunday

Northern passengers are being reminded that some train times will change on Sunday, 17 May, when railway timetables across the country will be updated.
Jumble sale to be held in aid of woman's cancer journey

This June, a jumble sale will be held in aid of Joanna's Journey.
Thornton Hall Country Park Continues to Grow with New Team Members

Thornton Hall Country Park is continuing its exciting period of growth and expansion with a number of new employees across the business.
Skipton Boxing Club nominated for 'Local Hero' award

Craven Community Boxing Club has been nominated for a Local Hero Award.
Skipton Beer Festival shares 2026 lineup

Skipton Beer Festival will take place 21st to 23rd May and the lineup has been released.
Clubberthon raises over £7,000 for hospice charity

A clubberthon in Skipton raised £7,624 for charity.
Your Skipton collaborates with Skipton BID for first visual podcast

Your Skipton Radio has teamed up with Skipton BID to launch a new visual and audio podcast.
Skipton BID to host first ever launch event for Skipton Business Awards 2026

For the first time, Skipton BID is set to host an official launch event for the popular Business Awards returning later this year.