Big changes for rail passengers

Rail passengers are reminded to check journey times before travelling as a new timetable is introduced on Sunday.

Passengers travelling between Sheffield and Leeds via Barnsley have extra, faster services laid on, cutting journey times by 15 minutes.

More trains are also being put on routes linking York and Leeds with Manchester.

However, travellers are reminded there are no Midland Mainline services from Sheffield due to a dispute.

A new franchise begins on Sunday, merging First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern. It is being run by a joint venture between Serco and Netherlands Railways.

A spokesman for the Rail Passengers Council said: "For some passengers it appears that Christmas has come early and there will be quicker services or more frequent trains on some routes."