Welcome to the Bradford Rail Users Group Website Scroll to bottom of page for links Latest update February 1 We apologise for the infrequent updating of this site at present. See Meetings section for dates of all BRUG meetings in 2010. (Meeting days have changed to first Monday).
Ticket barriers in operation at Interchange ------------------- MP in call to re-look at Crossrail ------------------- Additional route to London in new submission ------------------- Civic Society supports cross city link ------------------- 2012 opening for Low Moor? We don't think so - prove us wrong! ------------------ See News / Comment
Bradford Rail Users Group is campaigning for improvements to Bradford's rail services and infrastructure, including better information about services, new stations, and a cross - city link to open up new travel opportunities within Bradford and across the local rail system
Dead end... Forster Square Station Dead end... Interchange Station
We also support the re-opening of some closed lines such as the Spen Valley and Otley lines, And the Skipton - Colne line to open up new rail routes to and from the city, and to improve access to Bradford from more towns in the area. CONTACT DETAILS Note changes to contact details until further notice By post: The Secretary (BRUG) c/o Lloyd and Robinson Opticians 64 Westgate, Bradford BD1 2QR email Telephone: Bradford (01274) 873026 Visit Brug's message board and have your say on line!
Are you are in favour of joining the the rail systems North and South of Bradford via a cross-city link? Do you feel that such a link, enabling through journeys between say Shipley and Halifax would be of benefit in easing present journeys, or opening up new opportunities for employment etc? If so, email us at the address above and additionally, if possible, write expressing your views on the subject to Mr CR Hughes, Head of Service, Dept. of Transport, Design and Planning, 8th Floor, Jacob's Well, Manchester Road, Bradford BD1 5RW.
New ticket barriers in operation at Interchange
The new ticket barriers recently installed at Interchange station went into operation on Wednesday January 27th. The barriers have had a mixed reception among users of the station, with some being concerned about the potential for delays. especially if two trains arrive in the station at around the same time. The barriers, which cost arond £250,000 should help to prevent fare evasion however, and similar barriers have been in operation at Leeds station for some time. The barriers do need staff on hand to enable travellers with tickets such as self dated Day Rovers to pass through. Anyone wishing to access the platform to see someone off for example will need to purchase a platform ticket. It should be pointed out that some so-called fare evasion on the local rail network is down to passengers not being given the opportunity to purchase tickets, particularly when travelling between the many unstaffed stations in West Yorkshire. Several BRUG members have raised this issue at meetings and the writer, having personal experience of free travel, either through non appearance of the conductor or even a conductor declining to take the tendered fare, does not take kindly to being dubbed a fare dodger! Much more needs to be done on the revenue protection front. Having to pay simply to walk onto the platform will not go down too well either. 40 odd years ago this was usual at larger stations but one has to ask why we need all this when open stations are the norm in continental Europe.
MP in call for another look at Crossrail
Sports Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe has said it is time to 'clear the decks' and rethink the direction of regeneration in Bradford. The MP wants the city's MPs and leading council members to enter into fresh discussions. He said it was time to acknowledge that some schemes were not progressing as quickly as necessary and that trying to get back the Westfield (Broadway) site should not be ruled out. The vacant site of the stalled shopping development was tarnishing Bradford's reputation, Mr Sutcliffe said. The MP also said it was time to look at a crossrail link as proposed by Bradford Rail Users Group. He asks 'Can we look at engineering solutions and see what can be done? Is it possible to make Crossrail happen?' The Telegraph and Argus however, in their editorial, suggest this would be a retrogade step as the line would have to encroach on the Broadway site, and would distract from the business of getting a 'much needed' shopping development 'which must be the priority fo now'. The line would encroach on the site but would not prevent a slightly smaller development. The development as planned however would end any hope of a rail link (other than light rail) for generations - ed.
Bradford to have two routes to London?
Rail company Alliance Rail have submitted plans to the Office of Rail Regulation for a service from Bradford Interchange to London Euston via Manchester. This would be in addition to the Grand Central service to King's Cross due to start next May. The company hopes the new service could start within five years.
Civic Society supports cross city link
Bradford Civic Society has produced a document entitled 'Common Sense REGENERATION ' which they describe as a plan to Revive the Fortunes of Bradford and its People. The document sets out he society's vision for the future of the city and includes proposals for a cross city rail link on similar lines to proposals by BRUG.
Copies can be obtained by email or via the society's website
The society's postal address is: Bradford Civic Society, Sunbridge House, 80 Kirkgate, Bradford BD1 1TH - or telephone 01274 392929
Low moor update - 2012 opening?
BRUG has been informed that following approval by the Association of West Yorkshire Authorities Leaders at their meeting on Friday May 22, the Low Moor Station proposal is now included in within the West Yorkshire Strategic Programme of Schemes (SPS) for 2009/10 - 2011/12. The additional funds transferred to the West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan Partnership from the Regional Funding Allocation will be used for the revised SPS. However, delivery of the scheme is now subject to 'design review, confirmation of timetable options and obtaining the necessary business case approvals'
Metro are liasing with Network Rail on the programme of work to take the project forward. The additional land required for the car park and for part of the foundations for the footbridge ramp, where they fall outside the Network Rail boundary, has been the subject of earlier negotiation with Bradford Council and third parties. This process is now being resurrected so that the land acquisition process can be completed.
Network Rail will be carrying out the delivery process in line with the work they are undertaking for proposed stations at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge. While still awaiting a full, detailed, project programme from Network Rail, it is anticipated that, subject to all the necessary approvals being obtained, Low Moor station could be delivered within similar timescales and be open during 2012. BRUG remain sceptical about this and believe that 2015 is the earliest we will see Low Moor station open - 11 years late. We would however be delighted to be proved wrong!
The above report uses extracts and adaptations from a recent letter to BRUG from David Hoggarth (Director, Development) of Metro.
The gradient - is it a problem? Lines diagram Brug's other website! If the above link fails to work go to www.bradfordrail.wordpress.com For news and information on public transport in West Yorkshire visit Metro's website at www.wymetro.com and the Northern Rail website (from December 12) at www.northernrail.org For national rail information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
Cross Bradford Road Link - fills up at rush hour but at other times occupies a huge amount of dead space and creates a barrier between the city centre and communities on the east side. A cross - city rail link would occupy less than half this width, despite claims by opponents that it would devastate the city centre. A number of commentator's have suggested that a cross city rail link would encourage people to pass straight through the city when what is wanted is for people to stop and spend their money. At the same time it is claimed that there is no demand or need for cross city travel. On both these counts the question must be asked: Why provide the facility pictured above to provide for through journeys which allow motorists to pass by the city without stopping to spend their money, on journeys they neither want or need to make?
