two-hourly basis for most of the day. In February 2017, the platforms were extended to accommodate Azuma trains which are longer than the East Coast electrics. All Grand Central services between London King's Cross and stop at Northallerton (five services per day each way). CrossCountry services between Newcastle, Birmingham and beyond pass through but do not call at the station. Electrification Electrification of the railway through the station was carried out by British Rail, with completion by 1991. Accidents and incidents On 29 November 1979, a Kings Cross to Edinburgh Service (1S28) was derailed just south of the station. The train completely left the tracks, but stayed upright and came to a halt north of where it hit the trailing points that caused the derailment. Although the complement of passengers was in excess of 440, only one person was kept in hospital overnight. The leading power car of the High Speed Train (E43110) had a seized front axle because of a gearbox failure and confusion over maintenance schedules and it caused an out of gauge wheelset that derailed on the points. Ripon Railway The city was previously served by Ripon railway station on the Leeds–Northallerton line that ran between Leeds and Northallerton. It was once part of the North Eastern Railway and then LNER. The Ripon line was closed to passengers on 6 March 1967 and to freight on 5 September 1969 as part of the wider Beeching Axe, despite a vigorous campaign by local campaigners, including the city's MP. Today much of the route of the line through the city is now a relief road and although the former station still stands, it is now surrounded by a new housing development. The issue remains a significant one in local politics and there are movements wanting to restore the line. Reports suggest the reopening of a line between Ripon railway station and Harrogate railway station would be economically viable, costing £40 million and could initially attract 1,200 passengers a day, rising to 2,700. Campaigners call on MPs to restore Ripon railway link. See also Railways in Northallerton References Sources External links Railway stations in North Yorkshire DfT Category D stations Former North Eastern Railway (UK) stations Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1841 Railway stations served by Grand Central Railway Railway stations served by TransPennine Express Railway stations served by London North Eastern Railway Northallerton