Topics cover both bus and rail transport. Of specific interest will be plans to improve the facilities at Bradford Interchange: new canopy, new waiting room, and extra CCTV and lighting.
Low Moor will also discussed: The proposed plan will have 2 trains per hour from Low Moor to Leeds (via Bradford), 1 train to Mnachester Victoria and 1 train to Wakefield (both via Halifax).
Apperley Bridge station plans have been sent to the Department for Transport to be approved (and funded).
Please try attending the meeting if you can, otherwise look out for Will Kilner’s article in the Telegraph and Argus.
The latest delay to Low Moor Railway Station has been announced!
Councillor Robinson told the Bradford Passenger Consultative Committee that “Bradford Highways’ proposed changes to the access arrangements to the station, which was delaying scheme development.” Minutes: 15th Jan 2010
So now it is the Highways department that is delaying the start of the design of the station? (A request for information has been logged).
The committee is still of the belief that the station will be opened in 2012.
It is good news that the Government has finally decided to build HS2. And we support anything that increases the number of people using the railway.
However the route from Leeds to London via Birmingham increases the attractiveness of Manchester far more than that of Leeds.
A direct route in replacement of, or parallel to the East Coast Main Line would not only reduce the length of journey from it’s current 2hrs 20, or even the proposed 1hr20, but to just under 1 hour – If it went direct!
It would also be easier to build on the east coast route, it is flatter and straighter – it is easier to bring more railway into operation and revenue building on flat land than it is having either to dig through or lay rails around the Chiltern Hills to Birmingham.
Let us also remember the most recent plan for the West Coast line (which the new route will aim to replace up-to Manchester) was meant to be 140mph, but everyone agreed it was too difficult and expensive and decided to stick to 125mph.
Leeds station’s new south entrance has been approved. At a cost of £15.2million it will provide easier access to the station from “Holbeck Village”. The entrace will have passenger information, ticket sales and ticket barriers at bridge level.
Having a knowledge of escalators and elevators thurst upon me at home, can someone explain why the proposed solution costs £15.2million?
For those familar with the area, the proposed entrance is in the wrong place for many commuters and will have most benefit to guests at City Inn hotel.
It could have been achieved for a much lower price, but we welcome the development if it increases the number of passengers using the station.
In an interview with the Will Kilner at the Telegraph and Argus, Clive Barton (BRUG’s first chairman) talked about the history of coastal services from Bradford including Skegness and Scarborough. Clive put the case for running new services to these coastal resorts. Not only was the article printed yesterday, they also drew a cartoon!
Bradford Council has approved planning permission for Apperley Bridge railway station. The station is to be built on the Aire Valley line and will have services between Leeds, Shipley, Frizinghall and Bradford Forster Square. There will be 300 car parking spaces at the site. Final planning permission will need to be approved by the Government as the station is within the greenbelt.
SIR – Cuts to the Local Transport Plan (T&A, February 16) will surely be of great worry to anyone who uses public transport.
The residents of Low Moor will be obviously worried to see if the proposed cuts will again try hold them back from the new railway station they desperately need.
The public should be campaigning vigorously for LTP funding to be maintained. You cannot have a healthy economy (which we all strive to get back to) built on dilapidated roads and rails!
The Bradford Rail Users’ Group will be fighting hard to ensure funding for Low Moor railway station isn’t cut, and to fight for a cross-Bradford rail link to improve journey times and significantly reduce pressure on the ring road.
The Telegraph and Argus have an article (here) about the plans Bradford Council are drawing up in case a sledgehammer is taken to the Local Transport Plan to help reduce government spending.
This however is surely the wrong thing to be doing in the long-term interests of Bradford and the wider “City Region”.
BRUG’s immediate worry is surely that of the funding for Low Moor railway station.
Is Bradford Council drawing up plans to request more money as well? – Just in case an idea they suggest that might actually resonate with the Department of Transport and they think “Actually that is a good idea, let’s fund it”.
From Modern Railways January 2010 (p10):
Network Rail and train operators say they aim to offer a rail journey in almost all circumstances between key stations.
The aim to reduce the amount of time rail is unavailable due to engineering works and to reduce the use rail-replacement services. Leeds – Bradford is part of the 20 key-routes.
The December timetable started on the 13th December 2009. After a week we How are passengers finding it, are services more convenient, faster, slower?
Let us know: online, at our next meeting, or by email (see contacts page).
“Take the National Express when your life’s in a mess” – Divine Comedy
If it wasn’t true, it would be funny! National Express East Coast is to be returned to public ownership for their failure to pay the premium they agreed to in 2007, (which was higher than the previous operator GNER … failed to pay the premium they agreed to in 2005) – all patterns noticed are purely co-incidental.
From the 14th November 2009 ECML services will be operated by the Government. (London bound services from Skipton, Shipley, Bradford Forster Square, Keighley and Leeds) Continue reading →
Rail services were delayed this morning due to a signal failures in Armley. Passengers from Shipley and stations to Skipton had to wait up-to one hour before a North/West-bound service was sent from Forster Square up-to Skipton. The first services departing Shipley towards Skipton didn’t leave until 8:05am (from Forster Square). – an hours delay.
Leeds bound commuters had the option of travelling in coaches from Shipley, or via Forster Square and then walking upto the Interchange to catch the Leeds trains.
These problems would be over-come by Bradford Crossrail! or as we now also call it: The Armley Junction bypass!
Bradford Rail Users Group 