Bradford Opens New Platform Boosting London Train Services Sevenfold

Bradford's Forster Square Station has opened a new £24-35 million Platform 0, significantly increasing rail services between Bradford and London King's Cross from two to seven trains each way on weekdays, and doubling Sunday services. This expansion, funded by the UK government, aims to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and support Bradford's 2025 City of Culture status, bringing economic benefits estimated at £4 million annually. The enhanced infrastructure and additional services are designed to future-proof the station, improve access for passengers, commuters, and tourists, and address long-standing transport limitations that have held back the city's growth. The opening was marked with community events, including performances by local groups and the unveiling of a specially-liveried LNER Azuma train. The project also includes station upgrades like repainting and cleaning, with plans to extend benefits to nearby Shipley station by August. Officials from local government and transport ministries emphasized the importance of these improvements for regional development and connectivity in West Yorkshire.