Rail Accessibility Package

Accessibility improvements at 15 Northern Train stations across West Yorkshire

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). You can also ask a question using the Q&A tool at the bottom of this page.

What we hope to do

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with Northern Trains (Northern) to make accessibility improvements across rail stations within the region. 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.

Work on the Rail Accessibility Package is due to start in late 2027 at the stations listed below, subject to approval of the business case.

Which stations we plan to improve

The list below reflects the current scope of phase one following a review of the scheme to ensure it can be delivered within the available budget.

Phase one of these improvements includes 15 stations across Bradford, 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	Ilkley
Bradford Forster Square	Keighley
Bradford Interchange	New Pudsey
Burley in Wharfedale	Saltaire
Burley Park	Shipley
Crossflatts	Steeton & Silsden
Frizinghall	Wakefield Kirkgate
Horsforth

A map showing the 15 stations across Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield that will be receiving accessibility improvements

What accessibility improvements could be installed

The list below shows the type 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
Accessible facilities signs
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Tactile paving on stairs and ramps

Other improvements
Anti-slip stair edging
Seats inside
Seats outside

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 (15 stations) is expected to be £5 million. Subsequent phases of works are expected to be funded by Northern.

Inflation costs have impacted the scope of work that is achievable within the current budget for the Rail Accessibility Package. To address this, the Combined Authority and Northern worked together to review the scheme and agree on the most impactful changes that would still meet the schemes goals and stay within budget. As a result, some accessibility improvements and a number of stations were removed from the project, allowing the scheme to continue moving forward. The accessibility improvements that were taken out of scope are still within Northern's ambitions to be delivered as part of future schemes.

Next steps

The Rail Accessibility Package is currently working towards Full Business Case, with aim to submit in Spring 2027 with a decision made in Summer 2027.

Works for phase one are planned to start in late 2027 and be finished by late 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.

Accessibility improvements at 15 Northern Train stations across West Yorkshire

What we hope to do

Work on the Rail Accessibility Package is due to start in late 2027 at the stations listed below, subject to approval of the business case.

Which stations we plan to improve

The list below reflects the current scope of phase one following a review of the scheme to ensure it can be delivered within the available budget.

Phase one of these improvements includes 15 stations across Bradford, 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	Ilkley
Bradford Forster Square	Keighley
Bradford Interchange	New Pudsey
Burley in Wharfedale	Saltaire
Burley Park	Shipley
Crossflatts	Steeton & Silsden
Frizinghall	Wakefield Kirkgate
Horsforth

A map showing the 15 stations across Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield that will be receiving accessibility improvements

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
Accessible facilities signs
Handrails with Braille - directions, routes and level changes
Tactile paving on stairs and ramps

Other improvements
Anti-slip stair edging
Seats inside
Seats outside

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

Next steps

The Rail Accessibility Package is currently working towards Full Business Case, with aim to submit in Spring 2027 with a decision made in Summer 2027.

Works for phase one are planned to start in late 2027 and be finished by late 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.

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 Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work? on Facebook Share Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work? on Linkedin Email Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work? link

Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work?

Anthony Dee asked 8 months ago

The Rail Accessibility Programme of works and the Pontefract Monkhill Access for All schemes are still both in development stages. There currently isn’t any known impact to the scope of one scheme to the other but this will be identified further during development. For all rail schemes there are often multiple projects being developed and carried out at each station and so this is identified and planned out to ensure the projects don’t affect the improvements being made by other schemes along with the planned delivery of these including the cost, timescales and safety of delivery.
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 X (formerly 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 10 months 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 X (formerly 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 11 months 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 X (formerly 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 11 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 X (formerly 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 11 months 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 X (formerly 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 11 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 X (formerly 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 11 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: 10 Sep 2026, 10:53 AM

Rail Accessibility Package

Q&A

Pontefract Monkhill station is planned to have a new footbrdge and lifts installed, which involves various other improvements. How will the improvements listed in the Rail Accessibility Package be affected by this work?

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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