Northern Rail, in partnership with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and the Penistone Line Partnership are giving rail passengers an early Christmas present by laying-on extra trains on one of Britain’s most scenic railway lines.
The additional trains will run every Sunday on the Penistone Line, which links Sheffield, Meadowhall, Barnsley, Penistone and Huddersfield. It also stops at many smaller villages along the route, from which attractive walks can be taken.
The extra services will be known as the ‘Penistone Northern Star’ and will help ease traffic congestion in the run up to Christmas. Using the train also means shoppers and day-trippers won’t have to worry about parking spaces or car park charges while they go Christmas shopping.
The services run every Sunday until 23 December, in addition to the normal Sunday services.
David Young, Head of Transport Integration at SYPTE hopes the extra services will encourage more people to get out and explore the Pennine hills this Christmas.
"SYPTE is delighted to welcome these extra services which give people the opportunity to get out and do their Christmas shopping by train this year. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities then you can also take this opportunity to see some fantastic scenery and go for a walk."
The additional trains leave Huddersfield at 10:14 and 14:14 hours calling at all stations to Barnsley then Meadowhall and Sheffield. The return trains will leave Sheffield at 12:32 and 16:32.
On 9 and 16 December there will be an extra special treat on board when Father Christmas and his little helpers make a surprise visit. To get passengers into the festive spirit they will be giving gifts to children and mince pies to adults.
Stuart Rands, Client and Stakeholder Manager, Northern Rail said: "These additional 'Northern Star' services will help take the hassle out of Christmas shopping, providing a stress free travel alternative to the car. We also hope people will take the opportunity to explore the gems that the Penistone line, one of the most picturesque on our network, has to offer."
For more information and details of the full timetable, please visit travelsouthyorkshire.com or www.penline.demon.co.uk
For more information please contact Julia Price, Senior Communications Officer on 0114 221 1413.