Join us!

HADRAG is centred on Halifax, Brighouse, Elland and Sowerby Bridge. For 32 years we have supported positive development by the train companies, and encouraged greater use of the railway, seeking extensions to services and a better deal for everyday travellers. We believe that through a reasonable, realistic approach as friendly critics who put forward creative ideas, we have gained the respect of railway professionals and transport planners more widely. Over the last year we have held meetings with local MPs and have continued to develop a working relationship with the local council as well as officers at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, business representatives and other local groups. HADRAG’s Chair is a co-opted member of Calderdale council’s transport working group. We want to build on this engagement.

Overcrowding on local trains is a massive problem. We want to get more commuters and other rail users, as well as people who might use the train if the service were a lot better, to join us and get involved. See our contact details below.

It’s good to note that the latest ambitious plans for Elland station reflect very much ideas that HADRAG put forward four years ago. The £20M scheme is moving ahead driven by Calderdale and WYCA. The train operator’s timetable plans contain good news but also sound alarms. We keep pressing for a better service along the Brighouse Line making sure Elland gets full benefit. We have serious concerns over the Calder Valley timetable for 2018, 2019 and beyond, about service patterns and not least for stations that miss out on the new express services. We still want to meet with Arriva as train company to talk about this. Meanwhile, with other train user groups along the line we shall be launching our Electric Charter to press the case for a zero-emissions railway along the Calder Valley Line and across the North.

Rail development is good for the environment and good for local business. The work of HADRAG has been praised by Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. We have recently been presented with a significant grant from Calderdale Business Trust to help us continue and develop this work. We are most grateful to receive this support and we record our thanks here.