TIMETABLE changes which have resulted in the final train being axed on a busy line in favour of a bus replacement have been criticised by an MP who has campaigned for more services to be commissioned.

The changes, which were implemented just before Christmas, mean the last train from Sheffield to Huddersfield on the Penistone Line has been withdrawn from Monday to Thursdays.

A rail replacement bus service will instead depart from Barnsley Interchange at 11.05pm, connecting with an earlier service from Sheffield.

The latter half of the journey via bus from Barnsley to Huddersfield arrives at 1.07am, meaning train users’ journeys have been significantly lengthened.

According to a letter received by MP Marie Tidball, from the Huddersfield Penistone Sheffield Rail Users’ Association (HPSRUA), the changes are due Network Rail’s work connected to the Transpennine Route Upgrade, and may last several years.

Marie wrote to Network Rail before Christmas and will be writing to them again about the decision - and sharing the concerns raised by her constituents.

“I know that the Penistone Line is a vital service that connects us to friends, family, work, education and healthcare,” she told the Chronicle.

“It’s fantastic to work with local residents and community groups like the Penistone Line Partnership who are such fantastic advocates for our line.

“Like my constituents, I’m frustrated about this timetable change, and I will be taking the issue up with Network Rail.

“If you’ve been affected by this, please do get in touch with me to share how it has impacted you.

“Thank you to those constituents who brought this issue to my attention. I’ll be keeping you updated on this matter.”

Marie has been working on further improvements to the Penistone Line since she was elected, including championing the delivery of the £48 million Upgrade Scheme to increase line speeds and reliability. The local MP is also campaigning in Parliament for two trains an hour along the route. Dr Tidball will continue working closely with local councils and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, to ensure the line is upgraded fully for residents living across local communities.

The line includes stations in Penistone, Dodworth and Silkstone Common on the Barnsley side, and Chapeltown on the Sheffield side.

According to Marie, it is the ‘spine’ that connects South and West Yorkshire, serving half a million people along the route, and she has been campaigning for more services as part of long-awaited upgrades.

During the debate, she said two trains an hour on the Penistone Line must come in phase two of the scheme.

Marie said: “This project is so important for connectivity across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

“I know our Transport Secretary is absolutely committed to delivering phase one of the project and I will continue working with her so that everyone across our communities connected by this route feels the benefit.

“I know what an incredible difference this would make to residents living right across our communities.”