Otley Shared Transport Hub

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Consultation has concluded

A computer-generated image showing what the proposed hub would look like

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. This engagement is now closed and the results are being analysed. The outcome report will be published on this page in due course.

Earlier this year (January 2024) we introduced the idea of a shared transport hub in Otley.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, working in partnership with Leeds City Council and Otley Town Council, asked for your views on proposed locations for the hub, and on which services residents, businesses and other potential users would like to see.

Taking your feedback into account, we’ve now developed a proposal for facilities on Nelson Street. We’d like to hear what you think before taking this proposal any further.

This proposal is part of a wider pilot scheme to explore the benefits of Shared Transport Hubs across West Yorkshire.

This consultation runs from 20 August until 22 September 2024.



What is a Shared Transport Hub?

Also known as mobility hubs, a shared transport hub provides a range of sustainable transport services and improved passenger information in one place, giving people easier access to more travel options. They encourage people to make more shorter journeys - of around two miles or less - using sustainable modes of transport, such as walking or cycling, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

What’s happened so far in Otley?

In January we asked for views on two potential locations for a Shared Transport Hub, within North Parade Car Park or Courthouse Street Car Park. We also asked which facilities people thought were essential, nice to have, or not needed at all.

You told us that parking was important to the town and that the removal of spaces should be avoided or kept to a minimum. You also told us the suggested locations were too far from the bus station, and several people told us the informal car park at Walkergate would be a better option – closer to the bus station and also closer to Otley Community Hub and Library.

Responses to the previous consultation told us the following facilities were essential:

  • Real time public transport information screens
  • Signage about services at the hub
  • Directional signage to transport connections
  • Close to bus services
  • Community transport services
  • Facilities to park your bike securely

For the detailed analysis of the previous consultation view the Outcome Report, or view the You Said We Listened document for a summary of key feedback.

What are we proposing now?

Plan of Otley shared transport hub proposal

Following the initial consultation, we’ve developed proposals for a shared transport hub opposite Otley Bus Station, on Nelson Street.

We would merge the existing right-turn and left-turn lanes into a single lane, allowing vehicles to turn either right or left. The right turn onto Crossgate will remain open and accessible as part of this plan. This would enable us to extend the pavement opposite the bus station to accommodate a range of facilities, including:

  • Secure and covered cycle parking
  • Access to a shared e-cargo bike
  • Access to shared e-bikes
  • A bike repair stand
  • An e-car club parking space (replacing the existing space in North Parade Car Park)
  • A digital travel information post, providing real time public transport information for Otley Bus Station and Menston Rail Station
  • Directional signage to transport connections and key locations in the town

We’ll be carrying out further engagement with community transport providers to explore how these services can be linked.




Tell us your views here





Who will benefit?

The proposed Otley Shared Transport Hub is part of a wider pilot scheme across West Yorkshire. If built, we will explore who is using each hub and in what way, to inform and refine future development across the region.

We believe the hub in Otley would be most useful for local residents who might otherwise use a car to instead cycle short distances around the town, for example to local amenities and services such as the hospital. We understand there are some journeys where using a car can be the more practical option, for example with very young children or carrying very heavy shopping. An e-car club provides an option for those who need a car to have access to one, without the expense of owning and running a vehicle.

Shared e-bikes can help people ride further and faster than they would be able to on a traditional bicycle, making a greater range of journeys possible and helping with obstacles such as hills.

In addition, secure cycle parking would benefit people looking to visit the town on bike, as well as residents wishing to cycle to the bus station as part of a longer journey.



Have your say

You can let us know what you think in the following ways:

Your feedback will help to shape the final project plans.

Join a drop-in event

You'll be able to take a closer look at the plans and share your feedback with the project team. Paper surveys will be available to take home and submit via our Freepost address – no stamp needed.

  • Friday 6 September, Otley Market Place, 10am – 2pm
  • Wednesday 11 September, Otley Community Hub and Library, 4pm – 7pm

Log on to a webinar

We'll be hosting a free online Zoom webinar to give you an opportunity to learn more about the plans and ask the project team any questions. Sign up through the link below:

A recording of the webinar will be available following the event.

Contact us and accessibility

If you would like to contact us or request information in an alternative format you can:



Next steps

This consultation will close on Sunday 22 September 2024 at 11.59pm. If you’d like to know the outcome of this consultation please register for updates using the link on this page.

We will consider all feedback and the results of this consultation will be used to further shape and inform the scheme prior to its delivery. A Full Business Case is due to be submitted early in 2025.

This scheme has been awarded funding from the £830 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). For more information see our frequently asked questions.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. This engagement is now closed and the results are being analysed. The outcome report will be published on this page in due course.

Earlier this year (January 2024) we introduced the idea of a shared transport hub in Otley.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, working in partnership with Leeds City Council and Otley Town Council, asked for your views on proposed locations for the hub, and on which services residents, businesses and other potential users would like to see.

Taking your feedback into account, we’ve now developed a proposal for facilities on Nelson Street. We’d like to hear what you think before taking this proposal any further.

This proposal is part of a wider pilot scheme to explore the benefits of Shared Transport Hubs across West Yorkshire.

This consultation runs from 20 August until 22 September 2024.



What is a Shared Transport Hub?

Also known as mobility hubs, a shared transport hub provides a range of sustainable transport services and improved passenger information in one place, giving people easier access to more travel options. They encourage people to make more shorter journeys - of around two miles or less - using sustainable modes of transport, such as walking or cycling, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

What’s happened so far in Otley?

In January we asked for views on two potential locations for a Shared Transport Hub, within North Parade Car Park or Courthouse Street Car Park. We also asked which facilities people thought were essential, nice to have, or not needed at all.

You told us that parking was important to the town and that the removal of spaces should be avoided or kept to a minimum. You also told us the suggested locations were too far from the bus station, and several people told us the informal car park at Walkergate would be a better option – closer to the bus station and also closer to Otley Community Hub and Library.

Responses to the previous consultation told us the following facilities were essential:

  • Real time public transport information screens
  • Signage about services at the hub
  • Directional signage to transport connections
  • Close to bus services
  • Community transport services
  • Facilities to park your bike securely

For the detailed analysis of the previous consultation view the Outcome Report, or view the You Said We Listened document for a summary of key feedback.

What are we proposing now?

Plan of Otley shared transport hub proposal

Following the initial consultation, we’ve developed proposals for a shared transport hub opposite Otley Bus Station, on Nelson Street.

We would merge the existing right-turn and left-turn lanes into a single lane, allowing vehicles to turn either right or left. The right turn onto Crossgate will remain open and accessible as part of this plan. This would enable us to extend the pavement opposite the bus station to accommodate a range of facilities, including:

  • Secure and covered cycle parking
  • Access to a shared e-cargo bike
  • Access to shared e-bikes
  • A bike repair stand
  • An e-car club parking space (replacing the existing space in North Parade Car Park)
  • A digital travel information post, providing real time public transport information for Otley Bus Station and Menston Rail Station
  • Directional signage to transport connections and key locations in the town

We’ll be carrying out further engagement with community transport providers to explore how these services can be linked.




Tell us your views here





Who will benefit?

The proposed Otley Shared Transport Hub is part of a wider pilot scheme across West Yorkshire. If built, we will explore who is using each hub and in what way, to inform and refine future development across the region.

We believe the hub in Otley would be most useful for local residents who might otherwise use a car to instead cycle short distances around the town, for example to local amenities and services such as the hospital. We understand there are some journeys where using a car can be the more practical option, for example with very young children or carrying very heavy shopping. An e-car club provides an option for those who need a car to have access to one, without the expense of owning and running a vehicle.

Shared e-bikes can help people ride further and faster than they would be able to on a traditional bicycle, making a greater range of journeys possible and helping with obstacles such as hills.

In addition, secure cycle parking would benefit people looking to visit the town on bike, as well as residents wishing to cycle to the bus station as part of a longer journey.



Have your say

You can let us know what you think in the following ways:

Your feedback will help to shape the final project plans.

Join a drop-in event

You'll be able to take a closer look at the plans and share your feedback with the project team. Paper surveys will be available to take home and submit via our Freepost address – no stamp needed.

  • Friday 6 September, Otley Market Place, 10am – 2pm
  • Wednesday 11 September, Otley Community Hub and Library, 4pm – 7pm

Log on to a webinar

We'll be hosting a free online Zoom webinar to give you an opportunity to learn more about the plans and ask the project team any questions. Sign up through the link below:

A recording of the webinar will be available following the event.

Contact us and accessibility

If you would like to contact us or request information in an alternative format you can:



Next steps

This consultation will close on Sunday 22 September 2024 at 11.59pm. If you’d like to know the outcome of this consultation please register for updates using the link on this page.

We will consider all feedback and the results of this consultation will be used to further shape and inform the scheme prior to its delivery. A Full Business Case is due to be submitted early in 2025.

This scheme has been awarded funding from the £830 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). For more information see our frequently asked questions.

Consultation has concluded

Ask us a question, and the project team will get back to you.

Please note, if you are logged in to Your Voice, your username will be displayed when you ask a question.

  • Share Hi, I was wondering where secure motorcycle parking will be. I believe funds were allocated for such a thing in 2021. I had three attempted thefts on my motorcycle last year in LS10 where I commuted to from Otley, which cost me a considerable amount of money. Hence my interest on Facebook Share Hi, I was wondering where secure motorcycle parking will be. I believe funds were allocated for such a thing in 2021. I had three attempted thefts on my motorcycle last year in LS10 where I commuted to from Otley, which cost me a considerable amount of money. Hence my interest on Twitter Share Hi, I was wondering where secure motorcycle parking will be. I believe funds were allocated for such a thing in 2021. I had three attempted thefts on my motorcycle last year in LS10 where I commuted to from Otley, which cost me a considerable amount of money. Hence my interest on Linkedin Email Hi, I was wondering where secure motorcycle parking will be. I believe funds were allocated for such a thing in 2021. I had three attempted thefts on my motorcycle last year in LS10 where I commuted to from Otley, which cost me a considerable amount of money. Hence my interest link

    Hi, I was wondering where secure motorcycle parking will be. I believe funds were allocated for such a thing in 2021. I had three attempted thefts on my motorcycle last year in LS10 where I commuted to from Otley, which cost me a considerable amount of money. Hence my interest

    Chris Mayoh asked 23 days ago

    Thank you for your question regarding secure motorcycle parking.

    Secure motorcycle parking is not currently part of the Shared Transport Hub funding. Funding was allocated by Leeds City Council in 2021 for secure motorcycle parking at various sites across the city, Otley was not included in that particular scheme. This was as a result of requests from motor cycle users combined with a suitable location for the Motorcycle racks. 

    We understand your concerns, especially given the security issues you've personally experienced. Although we cannot confirm any future opportunities at this time, I have raised your feedback with the relevant Leeds City Council team for consideration as part of their transport discussions.

  • Share I see no provision for secure motorcycle parking in this proposal. I understand that money was allocated for that purpose a few years ago. can I ask that the plan is amended to include secure motorcycle parking. on Facebook Share I see no provision for secure motorcycle parking in this proposal. I understand that money was allocated for that purpose a few years ago. can I ask that the plan is amended to include secure motorcycle parking. on Twitter Share I see no provision for secure motorcycle parking in this proposal. I understand that money was allocated for that purpose a few years ago. can I ask that the plan is amended to include secure motorcycle parking. on Linkedin Email I see no provision for secure motorcycle parking in this proposal. I understand that money was allocated for that purpose a few years ago. can I ask that the plan is amended to include secure motorcycle parking. link

    I see no provision for secure motorcycle parking in this proposal. I understand that money was allocated for that purpose a few years ago. can I ask that the plan is amended to include secure motorcycle parking.

    roberthawkins asked 29 days ago

    Thank you for your question regarding secure motorcycle parking. The focus of the Shared Transport Hub is to promote active and sustainable travel options, such as walking, cycling, and the use of shared e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-car clubs. These options are aligned with our broader goals to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and encourage healthier, more sustainable ways to travel.

    Given the limited space at the hub, we are prioritising facilities that support active travel and shared transport, which are key to achieving these environmental and community benefits. While we acknowledge the utility of motorcycles, our aim through this project is to encourage a shift toward more sustainable modes of transport through this initiative.

    At this stage, secure motorcycle parking has not been included in the design due to space limitations and the emphasis on promoting shared and low-carbon alternatives as per the objectives of this project However, we will consider your feedback as the project evolves and continue to assess the need for different transport provisions in the future.

    Thank you for your understanding and for engaging in the consultation process. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of transport in Otley.

  • Share A hub suggests links - when will the Leeds / Otley to Skipton service be reinstated ? It is sadly missed as it was a very popular service . on Facebook Share A hub suggests links - when will the Leeds / Otley to Skipton service be reinstated ? It is sadly missed as it was a very popular service . on Twitter Share A hub suggests links - when will the Leeds / Otley to Skipton service be reinstated ? It is sadly missed as it was a very popular service . on Linkedin Email A hub suggests links - when will the Leeds / Otley to Skipton service be reinstated ? It is sadly missed as it was a very popular service . link

    A hub suggests links - when will the Leeds / Otley to Skipton service be reinstated ? It is sadly missed as it was a very popular service .

    IanW asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question. We have passed this onto our Bus Services team for consideration. The Otley Shared Transport Hub is being funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which is funding provided directly by the Department for Transport and can only be spent on the scheme for which it was awarded. This means the funding cannot be used for other activities, however the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working on plans to improve bus services across West Yorkshire through its Bus Service Improvement Plan. More information on this is available here: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/improving-transport/improving-buses/

  • Share Otley does not need this hub on Nelson st taking away the right turn out of Nelson st for the A3 bus and the Harrogate bus 52. It would be far better putting this useless idea in the Library car park next to the electric sub station. on Facebook Share Otley does not need this hub on Nelson st taking away the right turn out of Nelson st for the A3 bus and the Harrogate bus 52. It would be far better putting this useless idea in the Library car park next to the electric sub station. on Twitter Share Otley does not need this hub on Nelson st taking away the right turn out of Nelson st for the A3 bus and the Harrogate bus 52. It would be far better putting this useless idea in the Library car park next to the electric sub station. on Linkedin Email Otley does not need this hub on Nelson st taking away the right turn out of Nelson st for the A3 bus and the Harrogate bus 52. It would be far better putting this useless idea in the Library car park next to the electric sub station. link

    Otley does not need this hub on Nelson st taking away the right turn out of Nelson st for the A3 bus and the Harrogate bus 52. It would be far better putting this useless idea in the Library car park next to the electric sub station.

    Stephen Taylor asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the proposed Shared Transport Hub on Nelson Street as part of our public consultation process. We understand that changes in local infrastructure can raise important questions, and we appreciate the opportunity to address them.

    Firstly, I would like to clarify that the right turn out of Nelson Street for the A3 and Harrogate bus 52 is not being removed. Instead, we are merging the right turn with the left turn lane to create the necessary space for the Shared Transport Hub, ensuring that the buses can still make this manoeuvre. We have conducted vehicle tracking for buses, and the results confirm that they can safely and efficiently navigate this turn.

    Regarding your suggestion to place the Shared Transport Hub in the Library car park next to the electric substation, we did consider the Walkergate car park (which is in close proximity) as a potential location. However, this option would have resulted in the loss of more car parking spaces, which could negatively impact the local community. Additionally, situating the hub closer to the bus station on Nelson Street enhances its visibility and accessibility, aligning with our goal of creating a more integrated and user-friendly transport network.

    We value the feedback from Otley residents like yourself and will continue to consider all input as we move forward with the Shared Transport Hubs programme. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

  • Share Can Otley ever have A Railway Station rebuilt to deal with the current congestion? on Facebook Share Can Otley ever have A Railway Station rebuilt to deal with the current congestion? on Twitter Share Can Otley ever have A Railway Station rebuilt to deal with the current congestion? on Linkedin Email Can Otley ever have A Railway Station rebuilt to deal with the current congestion? link

    Can Otley ever have A Railway Station rebuilt to deal with the current congestion?

    BALDCHAPTED asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question on the Otley Shared Transport Hub consultation.

    Our Rail Strategy, on which a consultation was carried out in Autumn 2023, includes considering whether there are any ‘network gaps’ in the current rail system, including significant towns not served by rail, alongside the potential feasibility of providing such a link. In the case of Otley, such a gap was acknowledged, and the potential feasibility of a rail-based option was noted. As such, the Rail Strategy proposes that further work be carried out to look more closely at the practicality of, and a case for, such a link to Otley. Such a proposal would however be likely to be a longer-term aspiration. In the shorter term, opportunities to increase Otley’s connectivity via improved links to (and integration with) the existing rail network will be examined.

    One of the aims of the Shared Transport Hub in Otley would be to more easily connect longer journeys, for example by a potential link to a train station, or better facilities that would make it easier for someone to walk to the town centre, and then carry on their journey elsewhere without needing to use a car.