We do not need vague ideas about a new Bradford- Huddersfield-Manchester route that – mentioned in the government’s Network North report – that would not serve Calderdale. Calder Valley electrification was top ranked almost 9 years ago by the “Northern Sparks” task force report. We welcome Calderdale council’s renewed backing for electrification of our line.
Good ideas in West Yorks rail strategy – including electrification plus capacity improvements, that could deliver more for Calderdale than any fantasy line. More trains Brighouse-Leeds direct are mentioned. These are affordable schemes that do not need huge funding. Elland should be open by 2026 – keep the faith!
Good news on ticket offices. We need more staff on stations, not less.
Service performance so far this winter has been as bad as we can remember. Our impression is Northern say they have the right number of staff, but sickness continues to be an issue. What can we conclude?
Latest station usage figures (ORR) have just arrived. Halifax is back to 72% pre-pandemic best, Brighouse 77%, Sowerby Bg 83%, all rising. We see crowds on off-peak trains – surely an opportunity not a threat. – JSW
Featured Image: “Northern Trains 195 105” flickr photo by Bubblin40 https://flickr.com/photos/bubblin40/52862203418 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license
Halifax and District Rail Action Group 