Our rail routes need modernising now, says campaign group

RAIL CAMPAIGNERS hope the Transpennine route upgrade will benefit passengers on the Calder Valley line.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said £589m will be used to speed up trains and boost reliability on the 76-mile Transpennine route.

Users of Brighouse station, and of the planned new station at Elland, could enjoy improved services towards Leeds and

Huddersfield – more services and faster journey times due to doubling of tracks from two to four between Huddersfield and Dewsbury, a section of the Transpennine route that is also used for Calder Valley services through Brighouse.

Stephen Waring, Chair of HADRAG said: “A train running non-stop from Brighouse to Leeds via the TP route could do the journey in under 20 minutes compared with the present all-stations service taking more than half an hour.

“A new station at Elland means improving the present service which is basically hourly on the BradfordHuddersfield and Manchesterupper Calderdale-BrighouseLeeds routes. Both these routes need more frequent – at least half-hourly – services and better journey times. Reduced journey times from Brighouse to Leeds would also enhance services.

“We need the capacity improvements in Manchester to deliver improvements and service enhancements that were promised but are yet to be delivered. This includes enhancements to the Calder Valley line with services to the south side of Manchester.

“Routes like the Calder Valley line were recommended five years ago for electrification.

“Electrification will cut costs, and the Calder Valley Line is a natural follow-on to the upgrade on the Huddersfield line.

“Our route must share the benefits. Our rail routes need modernising now.”

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