Tag: Bradford

Four Hadrag members met officers at their HQ in Leeds. The table was our agenda, with some points added afterwards. As expected, we found ourselves “on the same wavelength with WYCA on most points. Leeds to Bradford Interchange is already on the electrification agenda, though financial commitment from government is yet to come. We say a commitment is needed to continue with the rest of the Calder Valley through Halifax and Brighouse not only to Manchester but also through East Lancs.

Key points based Hadrag’s notes

Electrification – full Calder Valley line: Full Calder Valley line electrification as most efficient means of decarbonisation in long term, and of train economics. On routes such as the CV line (passenger + freight) batteries should be transitional only. Recent report suggests 2040s. We say CV electrification could follow directly after Leeds-Bfd Int or as extension of TRU wiring. At west end McV-Rochdale could start first. WYCA committed.

Bradford development: Hadrag welcomes plan for a through station replacing Interchange, provided there are good links into city centre. Leeds-Halifax timing could be cut to about 24 minutes (non-stop Leeds-Bradford). Mass-transit into centre with several central stops and through to Forster Sq? Other future possibilities might include travelator links, or self-driving pods. What is the vision?

Calder Valley line service development: We seem to be talking about a new line Bradford-Huddersfield. Route not clear. Would it not be better to prioritise improving CV line, as mentioned in WY rail strategy? Specific ideas to give early results:

• All present CV trains to call at Sowerby Bg.
• Additional fast service (2 per hour) Bradford-Manchester, journey time 40 min, 2 stops (Hfx, Rcd).
• Better deal for Brighouse & Elland: Upper Calderdale-Brighouse-Leeds increase to 2 trains/hr of which one fast Bgh-Leeds in 20 min.
• Bradford-Halifax-Elland-Brighouse-Mirfield-Barnsley-Meadowhall-Sheffield, attractive journey time Brighouse-Shf 55 min requiring short Horbury-Crigglestone curve reopening.

Hadrag is keen to see progress on developing the Calder Valley service. Fast trains Bradford-Manchester could do the journey in as little as 40 minutes including stops at Halifax and most of us think also Rochdale. Other trains would serve intermediate stations. Line-speed improvements and loops could add capacity – with loops to pass freight.

Yes, there is talk of new route Bradford to Huddersfield feeding into TransPennine Express services. The route of this line is not clear. A Calder Valley line upgrade would be much less costly and quicker to achieve.