Cabbie’s fare fears over station closure
CONCERN OVER LOSS OF BUSINESS AND TRAVEL CHAOS AS NETWORK RAIL PLANS TO SHUT TRAIN HUB FOR 30-DAYS AT A TIME FOR UPGRADES
THE potential closure of Huddersfield Railway Station for 30-day periods is raising fears over lost income, travel chaos and even being cut off from family.
One taxi driver is hoping the long closures will be avoided - for the sake of his business.
And others who rely on the station - either for travel, or for their livelihoods - have spoken out about the disruption that could come with the planned electrification of the railway line between Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Network Rail’s multi-billion pound Transpennine Route Upgrade would see multiple big changes made to an eight-mile stretch of railway between Huddersfield
and Westtown. In order for these changes to take place, Huddersfield Railway Station may need to close for up to 30 days at a time, in Easter 2024 and Easter 2025.
Although this may seem a long way ahead, the reason for concern now stems from a public inquiry due to take place next month - a time when residents can raise their concerns and highlight the level of disruption the proposed changes may mean to their daily lives.
One taxi driver who did not wish to be named, also raised concerns about what it could mean for him.
“Thirty days is a long time to be shut and that’s a lot of fares to lose out on. I know nothing is set in stone yet, but I really hope they change their mind.”
Others have worries about the impact on travel. “My mum lives in Huddersfield but I live halfway across the country. I can only come and visit at certain times of the year - and disruption at Easter would really put a dent in that,” said visitor Steven Wilson.
”I understand the work needs to be done and it’ll make things more efficient eventually, but I don’t want to miss out on seeing my family.”
Under the proposals, rail replacement buses would still run between the station and onward destinations during the scheduled closure, a move that based on experience didn’t instil one resident with much confidence.
“There should be plenty of time to work out how best a replacement bus service can be designed to minimise disruption to passengers,” said David Haggerty.
“However, the statement in Network Rail’s submission to the public enquiry that replacement bus services will be based on what has been done in the past doesn’t provide reassurance that they have thought it through so far.
“The replacement bus service which has been provided on a quiet Sunday when hardly anyone is travelling is not a good template for times when there are large commuter flows both from and across Huddersfield.”
Local businesses may also be impacted by changes to commuter flow, but most are optimistic about what it could mean going forwards.
“It is what it is. We hope it goes well and that it doesn’t impact on trade too much,” said the stationbased manager of Huddersfield pub Head of Steam.
A public inquiry will be held at the John Smith’s Stadium from November 2, with documents available to see online now.
Formal objections have already been submitted by The Canal & River Trust and HD1 Developments Ltd, owner of the grade II-listed brick-built warehouse behind Huddersfield station.