Rail Accessibility Package

If you need any materials in an alternative format or would like to provide feedback in a different way please contact us by emailing yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk, by calling Metroline on 0113 245 7676, or by writing to FREEPOST WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp required).

What we hope to do

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with Northern Trains (Northern) to make accessibility improvements to rail stations across the region as part of its Access for All programme. Together, we want to make sure customers are safe, can access the information they need and can wait somewhere comfortable with the right facilities.

This work supports our ambition for the Weaver Network, with transport that’s easy to navigate and simple to use. Unveiled in May 2025 by the Combined Authority, the Weaver Network is the new name and unifying brand for transport in West Yorkshire.

The work is due to start in early 2027 at the stations listed below, subject to approval of the business case.

Which stations we plan to improve

Phase one of these improvements includes 22 stations across Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds and Wakefield. You can see which stations are in phase one by:

Viewing the list below

Viewing the map image below

You can also see the stations and what is planned for each station on our interactive map here or on the map image below. Please be aware this function may not be compatible with screen readers. You can see exactly what's happening at each station by clicking here

Stations listed for improvements in phase one
Bingley	Hebden Bridge
Bradford Forster Square	Horsforth
Bradford Interchange	Ilkley
Burley in Wharfedale	Keighley
Burley Park	Menston
Cross Gates	New Pudsey
Crossflatts	Pontefract Monkhill
Frizinghall	Saltaire
Garforth	Shipley
Guiseley	Steeton & Silsden
Halifax	Wakefield Kirkgate

What accessibility improvements could be installed

The list below shows the types of accessibility improvements to be installed, although these will vary by station. To see exactly what improvement we plan to install at which station, please view the interactive map here or a full list of improvements here

To see what these improvements look like, please see our glossary here

Accessibility specific improvements
Braille Station Maps
Help Points
Induction Loops
Direction signs to lifts, platforms and accessible routes
Accessible facilities signs
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Accessible WC and baby change facilities
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Tactile paving - on stairs and ramps
Tap Rails

Other improvements
Painted lines in car park
Painted lines on footpaths in car park
Bike stands
Anti-slip stair edging
External pathway improvements
Seats inside
Seats outside
Furniture Painting

Our project objectives and benefits

Improving accessibility is an important part of improving rail journeys for all existing customers, as well as attracting new ones.   

This work aims to:

Make stations accessible and fit for purpose through targeted improvements and replacement of facilities not meeting industry standards.

Encourage more people to travel by rail.

Improve access to jobs, education, leisure and health services.

Improve the customer’s overall journey experience.

How this project is funded

Subject to a successful business case, phase one of the Rail Accessibility Package will be delivered through funding provided to the Combined Authority by HM Government. The funding for this scheme is known as capital funding; this means it can only be spent on schemes to deliver new or improved infrastructure. The cost of phase one (22 stations) is expected to cost £5 million. The subsequent phases covering the remaining 42 stations are expected to be funded by Northern.

The next steps

The Rail Accessibility Package is currently working towards Full Business Case, which will aim to be submitted at the end of 2025.

Works for phase 1 (22 stations) are planned to start early 2027 and be finished by summer 2028. This date may change because it is dependent on the specific approvals processes and the availability of funding. 

If you would like to keep informed on updates on this project, please register here to be a part of Your Voice.

What we hope to do

The work is due to start in early 2027 at the stations listed below, subject to approval of the business case.

Which stations we plan to improve

Phase one of these improvements includes 22 stations across Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds and Wakefield. You can see which stations are in phase one by:

Viewing the list below

Viewing the map image below

Stations listed for improvements in phase one
Bingley	Hebden Bridge
Bradford Forster Square	Horsforth
Bradford Interchange	Ilkley
Burley in Wharfedale	Keighley
Burley Park	Menston
Cross Gates	New Pudsey
Crossflatts	Pontefract Monkhill
Frizinghall	Saltaire
Garforth	Shipley
Guiseley	Steeton & Silsden
Halifax	Wakefield Kirkgate

What accessibility improvements could be installed

To see what these improvements look like, please see our glossary here

Accessibility specific improvements
Braille Station Maps
Help Points
Induction Loops
Direction signs to lifts, platforms and accessible routes
Accessible facilities signs
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Accessible WC and baby change facilities
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Tactile paving - on stairs and ramps
Tap Rails

Other improvements
Painted lines in car park
Painted lines on footpaths in car park
Bike stands
Anti-slip stair edging
External pathway improvements
Seats inside
Seats outside
Furniture Painting

Our project objectives and benefits

Improving accessibility is an important part of improving rail journeys for all existing customers, as well as attracting new ones.   

This work aims to:

Make stations accessible and fit for purpose through targeted improvements and replacement of facilities not meeting industry standards.

Encourage more people to travel by rail.

Improve access to jobs, education, leisure and health services.

Improve the customer’s overall journey experience.

How this project is funded

The next steps

The Rail Accessibility Package is currently working towards Full Business Case, which will aim to be submitted at the end of 2025.

If you would like to keep informed on updates on this project, please register here to be a part of Your Voice.

Q&A

You can ask a question using this Q&A function or email YourVoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

You can also get in touch with the Combined Authority’s Communities, Consultation and Engagement team by calling 0113 245 7676, or by writing to FREEPOST WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY.

Share What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans? on Facebook Share What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans? on Twitter Share What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans? on Linkedin Email What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans? link

What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans?

travelblender asked 28 days ago

Thank you for your query. We are currently working on Phase 1 of the Rail Accessibility Package which includes the 22 stations listed on the YourVoice page. Subsequent phases of the project will include stations that fall within Kirklees and this information will be released at a later date.
Share Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently. on Facebook Share Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently. on Twitter Share Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently. on Linkedin Email Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently. link

Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently.

Ruth Jones asked about 1 month ago

Thank you for your question. The post 9:30 travel restriction is set by national Government who run and fund the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Our Under 19 fare range, available on any bus, at all times, aims to offer discounted travel for young people to support them getting to school and elsewhere.
Share Whilst these improvements are welcome can the Authority intervene in the ridiculous situation in delayed provision of a lift at Todmorden station? The project has caused disruption to no effect and there seems to be no clarity as to when the works will be undertaken. Surely no means of disabled access to one platform is more important than these proposed improvements to signage etc. Good luck in directing disabled users to the lift at Todmorden as it does not exist. on Facebook Share Whilst these improvements are welcome can the Authority intervene in the ridiculous situation in delayed provision of a lift at Todmorden station? The project has caused disruption to no effect and there seems to be no clarity as to when the works will be undertaken. Surely no means of disabled access to one platform is more important than these proposed improvements to signage etc. Good luck in directing disabled users to the lift at Todmorden as it does not exist. on Twitter Share Whilst these improvements are welcome can the Authority intervene in the ridiculous situation in delayed provision of a lift at Todmorden station? The project has caused disruption to no effect and there seems to be no clarity as to when the works will be undertaken. Surely no means of disabled access to one platform is more important than these proposed improvements to signage etc. Good luck in directing disabled users to the lift at Todmorden as it does not exist. on Linkedin Email Whilst these improvements are welcome can the Authority intervene in the ridiculous situation in delayed provision of a lift at Todmorden station? The project has caused disruption to no effect and there seems to be no clarity as to when the works will be undertaken. Surely no means of disabled access to one platform is more important than these proposed improvements to signage etc. Good luck in directing disabled users to the lift at Todmorden as it does not exist. link

Whilst these improvements are welcome can the Authority intervene in the ridiculous situation in delayed provision of a lift at Todmorden station? The project has caused disruption to no effect and there seems to be no clarity as to when the works will be undertaken. Surely no means of disabled access to one platform is more important than these proposed improvements to signage etc. Good luck in directing disabled users to the lift at Todmorden as it does not exist.

Andy Tootell asked about 2 months ago

Thank you for your question and feedback.
The Combined Authority are aware of the lengthy delivery period of the lift at Todmorden station. The project, for which funding has been secured, was due to be delivered by Northern Rail but has been delayed due contractor issues. Discussions are ongoing between Northern Rail, Network Rail and The Combined Authority to determine a revised delivery approach for the scheme. Construction timescales will be made available for this important scheme once further work has been undertaken.
Share I understand from the information available online (https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/rail-accessibility-package) that proposed improvement works at Horsforth currently include "accessible WC and baby change facilities". As a Horsforth resident, frequent railway user and parent and carer for a teenage son who requires a hoist to transfer to and from his powered wheelchair I would be interested to find out more about this. The provision of Changing Places is a real game changer for disabled customers like my son and families like us. I understand from the Access Officer at Leeds City Council that some consideration has been given to the installation of a Changing Places Toilet at Horsforth Station, but that there might be problems with weight bearing for the installation of a ceiling hoist. Has the option of a freestanding floor-based/gantry hoist for use in the space available been considered? Please could you confirm what options have been or are being considered for the accessible WC facilities at Horsforth. Please also let us know if we can provide any input, guidance or support to try and help with this project. on Facebook Share I understand from the information available online (https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/rail-accessibility-package) that proposed improvement works at Horsforth currently include "accessible WC and baby change facilities". As a Horsforth resident, frequent railway user and parent and carer for a teenage son who requires a hoist to transfer to and from his powered wheelchair I would be interested to find out more about this. The provision of Changing Places is a real game changer for disabled customers like my son and families like us. I understand from the Access Officer at Leeds City Council that some consideration has been given to the installation of a Changing Places Toilet at Horsforth Station, but that there might be problems with weight bearing for the installation of a ceiling hoist. Has the option of a freestanding floor-based/gantry hoist for use in the space available been considered? Please could you confirm what options have been or are being considered for the accessible WC facilities at Horsforth. Please also let us know if we can provide any input, guidance or support to try and help with this project. on Twitter Share I understand from the information available online (https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/rail-accessibility-package) that proposed improvement works at Horsforth currently include "accessible WC and baby change facilities". As a Horsforth resident, frequent railway user and parent and carer for a teenage son who requires a hoist to transfer to and from his powered wheelchair I would be interested to find out more about this. The provision of Changing Places is a real game changer for disabled customers like my son and families like us. I understand from the Access Officer at Leeds City Council that some consideration has been given to the installation of a Changing Places Toilet at Horsforth Station, but that there might be problems with weight bearing for the installation of a ceiling hoist. Has the option of a freestanding floor-based/gantry hoist for use in the space available been considered? Please could you confirm what options have been or are being considered for the accessible WC facilities at Horsforth. Please also let us know if we can provide any input, guidance or support to try and help with this project. on Linkedin Email I understand from the information available online (https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/rail-accessibility-package) that proposed improvement works at Horsforth currently include "accessible WC and baby change facilities". As a Horsforth resident, frequent railway user and parent and carer for a teenage son who requires a hoist to transfer to and from his powered wheelchair I would be interested to find out more about this. The provision of Changing Places is a real game changer for disabled customers like my son and families like us. I understand from the Access Officer at Leeds City Council that some consideration has been given to the installation of a Changing Places Toilet at Horsforth Station, but that there might be problems with weight bearing for the installation of a ceiling hoist. Has the option of a freestanding floor-based/gantry hoist for use in the space available been considered? Please could you confirm what options have been or are being considered for the accessible WC facilities at Horsforth. Please also let us know if we can provide any input, guidance or support to try and help with this project. link

I understand from the information available online (https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/rail-accessibility-package) that proposed improvement works at Horsforth currently include "accessible WC and baby change facilities". As a Horsforth resident, frequent railway user and parent and carer for a teenage son who requires a hoist to transfer to and from his powered wheelchair I would be interested to find out more about this. The provision of Changing Places is a real game changer for disabled customers like my son and families like us. I understand from the Access Officer at Leeds City Council that some consideration has been given to the installation of a Changing Places Toilet at Horsforth Station, but that there might be problems with weight bearing for the installation of a ceiling hoist. Has the option of a freestanding floor-based/gantry hoist for use in the space available been considered? Please could you confirm what options have been or are being considered for the accessible WC facilities at Horsforth. Please also let us know if we can provide any input, guidance or support to try and help with this project.

YatesS asked about 1 month ago
Thank you for your question. As part of the accessible toilets Northern will be fitting, the plan does not include a hoist at this stage. This specification has been signed of via the Northern Accessibility User Group and is in line with British Standards and the Equality Act.

The accessible toilet will meet the following standards:
- Minimum room size: Typically 2200mm x 1500mm.
- Door: Outward-opening or sliding, with a clear opening width of at least 850mm.
- Turning space: 1500mm diameter clear turning circle inside.
- Toilet position: Set away from the wall to allow side transfer from a wheelchair (usually 480mm from wall to WC centreline).
- Grab rails: Fixed and drop-down rails on either side of the WC.
- Wash basin: Reachable from the WC, with lever taps or sensor operation.
- Emergency assistance: Pull-cord alarm system (reaching floor level) with both visual and audible alarms.
- Signage: Must include the wheelchair symbol and tactile/Braille where appropriate.
This isn't to say hoists won't be considered going forward, however they will not be included in this phase of the project.
Share Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is. on Facebook Share Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is. on Twitter Share Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is. on Linkedin Email Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is. link

Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is.

Debra Purkiss asked about 2 months ago

Thank you for your question. The current project will not change the existing access ramps at Keighley station. That’s not to say future works won’t address it, but it isn’t included as part of this package.
Share Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users. on Facebook Share Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users. on Twitter Share Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users. on Linkedin Email Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users. link

Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users.

Debra Purkiss asked about 2 months ago

Thank you for your question. Any work carried out by this project will have no effect on the lift operations at Shipley station.

Page last updated: 07 Nov 2025, 10:48 AM

Rail Accessibility Package

Q&A

What about the stations in Kirklees? None are included - or is that all catered for by TRU and Penistone Line improvement plans?

Will it be possible to extend the hours that the Metro Card is available for young people with learning difficulties to before 09:30 so that they can attend school or college or work independently.

Is Keighley station going to be more accessible for wheelchair users where the current slope is.

Will the lift at Shipley be in use all the time. As this causes a lot of issues for wheelchair users.

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