It’s chuffing great and in West Yorkshire in northern England – Transdev subsidiary Team Pennine’s upgraded Great Northern Line route is now making tracks between Keighley and Halifax.
Team Pennine’s signature pink buses are now bringing new standards of comfort and style to its popular 502 route linking the two towns, now named Great Northern Line in honor of the famous old railway which began making the same journey in October 1880 – only to carry and its final passengers before closure 67 years ago in May 1955.
The revitalized bus route launched runs alongside the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway between Ingrow and Keighley, making it an ideal way to discover the area’s rail heritage while enjoying amazing views across the Pennine countryside.
On the outside, the smart Great Northern Line buses feature an eye-catching two-tone pink livery with a steam engine in the center – while inside, there’s comfortable seating in the bus firm’s own ‘All the Colors of Transdev’ design, fast and free Wi-Fi, and USB at-seat device charging points.
We wanted to pay our own tribute to the great days of steam with our new Great Northern Line branded bus route, as we deliver an exciting upgrade to our buses which follow much of the old railway’s course.
At a time when the cost of living is an issue, our Great Northern Line buses are a low-cost yet comfortable way to discover the beautiful countryside as well as two amazing towns, especially as a journey now costs no more than £2 one way or £4.50 all day on this and every other bus in West Yorkshire.
We’re already getting a great reaction to our upgraded Great Northern Line – and we think it’s bright new image will attract more people to choo-choo-choose the bus!
Joy Devine, Team Pennine General Manager
Information panels on each bus also highlight key landmarks along the route, some with a railway heritage theme – such as Hewenden Viaduct in Cullingworth, open to the public as part of the Great Northern Railway Trail which follows much of the old rail route through glorious Yorkshire scenery.
The buses also serve Ingrow for the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, and the Rail Story Museum, whose Carriage Works houses original Great Northern Line carriages.
Today’s Great Northern Line bus route is also ideal for visits to Dean Clough, once one of the world’s largest carpet factories and now home to an amazing range of arts, theatre, and events venues plus a vibrant mix of places to eat, drink and shop – and to Halifax’s Piece Hall, an impressive home to everything from exhibitions and shops to bars, restaurants, music events and more.
Team Pennine’s Great Northern Line route links Keighley and Halifax every hour, six days a week. Full timetable and fare deals are online at: transdevbus.co.uk/teampennine, and on the free to download Transdev Go mobile app.