FAQs
General
What is a shared transport hub?
A shared transport hub brings together shared transport, such as bike hire and car clubs, with public transport and facilities to support active travel – walking and cycling - in spaces designed to improve the public realm for all.
What would be included in a shared transport hub in Calderdale?
The proposal is for one shared transport hub in Hebden Bridge Market Place car park and two hubs in Todmorden, at Todmorden College and in School Lane. This would be the start of what we hope will be a network of hubs across Calderdale.
In Hebden Bridge Market Place car park, the hub would include EV parking spaces, secure and covered cycle parking, access to a shared e-cargo bike and e-bikes, and a bike repair stand. There would also be a digital travel information post providing real time information for Hebden Bridge Rail Station, and directional signage to transport connections.
At Todmorden College, we are proposing to install covered cycle shelters with Sheffield stands, shared e-bikes, a bike repair stand and a secure cycle hangar. We are also proposing to include a digital travel information post, which would provide real time information for Todmorden Rail and Bus Stations. In addition, we would provide an EV charging parking space, space for an EV car club, and future provision for further EV charging spaces in the car park.
At School Lane, we are proposing to install covered cycle parking and access to shared e-bikes and an e-cargo bike. There would also be EV parking spaces, a bike repair stand, and improved access for people walking and cycling from Halifax Road. We are also proposing a digital travel information post providing real time information for Todmorden Rail and Bus Stations, and directional signage to transport connections.
Why are shared transport hubs important?
Shared transport hubs aim to encourage more shorter journeys to be made by sustainable modes of transport, such as walking or cycling. In this way, they help to reduce congestion, improve air quality and health, and make it easier to get around.
Are shared transport hubs only for public transport users?
No, shared transport hubs are designed to cater to a variety of transport modes. They provide amenities for people walking and cycling, and users of various modes of transport, including bus, rail and shared modes including cycle hire and car club.
How would the shared transport hub link to local rail stations?
With Northern Rail working to install lifts and an accessible toilet at Todmorden Rail Station, there is not a suitable space for a shared transport hub closer to the station. The shared hubs in Todmorden are planned to support with short journeys in and around the town, and locations have been chosen in line with this, combined with the feedback from the 2022 consultation. The Todmorden College site is close to the bus station, and the School Lane site next to a well-served bus stop. Both hubs would include real time travel information for both the bus and rail station for those making connections.
As Hebden Bridge Rail Station is located slightly out of the town, it was felt that a shared transport hub in a more visible location within the town centre would be better used by local people. We are also proposing to install a digital travel information post displaying real time information that can be used by those looking to make the connection to Hebden Bridge Rail Station, which is around a 10-minute walk away.
How do shared transport hubs contribute to urban or town development?
Shared transport hubs contribute to sustainable urban or town development by offering different options so that people can leave their car at home for shorter journeys, helping to reduce congestion and our impact on the environment, improving air quality and creating a more connected and accessible environment
There is also evidence that when people walk or cycle to local shops they spend more money, supporting local businesses and growing the economy.
Why are we proposing this in Calderdale?
Shared transport hubs are a relatively new concept, and we are looking at locations across West Yorkshire where people could benefit – Otley, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden are the pilot locations for these improvements being considered.
With its steep-sided valleys and riverside communities, Calderdale is more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than other areas in West Yorkshire. Calderdale Council is already proactive in encouraging sustainable travel, reducing reliance on cars and improving air quality, with a target of being carbon net zero by 2038.
Why is Mytholmroyd no longer being considered for a shared transport hub?
In November 2022, we asked for your views on potential locations for the hub, and most responses were in favour of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge for the pilot locations.
Will car parking be affected?
In Hebden Bridge, we are proposing to redesign the existing Market Place car park to meet the recommendations of the Institute of Civil Engineers Car Park Designers Handbook. This will result in the loss of three car parking spaces, but will create a more efficient, user-friendly car park and create space for improved facilities for car clubs, cyclists and pedestrians.
During this consultation, it has come to our attention that the plans for Hebden Bridge Market Place car park is showing two disabled parking spaces whilst currently there are three. There are no plans to lose disabled parking in this proposal and a third will be added at the detailed design stage.
At Todmorden College, the proposal is for one car parking space to be changed to a space for an electric car with a charging station.
At School Lane Car Park in Todmorden there is no loss in car parking spaces, the hub facilities fit within the unused taxi bay and within the car park with no detriment to carparking. Disabled car parking spaces will not be affected.
Is the shared transport hub part of the project on Bramsche Square (Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden)?
No, the Public Places project is part of Todmorden Town Deal investment programme. Shared transport hubs are funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).
Will the disused toilet building on Valley Road be part of the shared transport hub in Hebden Bridge?
The disused building is not part of the current proposals, but this is an opportunity which could be explored in the future. There is a possibility the building could be used as part of the hub, for cycle storage or as a maintenance facility for a shared bike scheme in the area.
Do shared transport hubs promote sustainable transport?
Yes, one of the main goals of shared transport hubs is to promote sustainable transport options, reduce reliance on individual car ownership, and encourage the use of public transport and alternative modes of travel.
What are the next steps following the consultation?
Following the consultation, we will be working on detailed designs taking into account the feedback received.
When would work start on site?
Construction of the scheme is projected to commence in winter 2025/26.
What is happening in Otley?
A second stage consultation took place in September 2024, asking people for feedback on the location of a shared transport hub in Otley and what facilities it could offer. The responses are currently being analysed, with the outcome report to be published on Otley Shared Transport Hub | Your Voice (westyorks-ca.gov.uk).
The decision-making process
What is the decision-making process?
The scheme is reviewed through sequenced decision gateways in the Assurance Process of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. There are four business case decision points within this assurance process. At each stage, recommendations on the scheme are made by an officer-based appraisal team to the relevant committee(s) of elected members. So far, the scheme has currently passed through three of the four decision points.
What has been done so far?
Funding for the scheme has been secured through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) which West Yorkshire Combined Authority administers to allow both Leeds and Calderdale Councils to start developing and promoting the sites proposed. This has allowed us to undertake initial studies and business case development, optioneering and outline designing. This project has secured Combined Authority approval at the Strategic Outline Case stage and is currently working towards Full Business Case.
Having your say and staying informed
How can members of the public have their say on the proposals?
The consultation period will take place from 5 November to 2 December 2024. Members of the public can have their say via www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/Calderdalehubs or email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk. We are keen to hear from residents, businesses, and anyone travelling in this area.
How will we ensure the consultation will be accessible to people who do not have access to the internet?
Posters and leaflets will be distributed in Calderdale, with members of the project team attending drop-in events at Hebden Royd Town Hall, Hebden Bridge Market, Todmorden Market and Todmorden Community College. Anyone who cannot access the survey online and needs to request an alternative format can contact MetroLine on 0113 245 7676.
Paper copies will also be made available at Hebden Royd Town Hall and Todmorden College. These can be returned to Freepost Consultation Team WYCA with no stamp required.
Who can take part? Can I tell other people to take part?
We welcome opinions and feedback from all members of the public. Whether you travel by public transport, walk, drive, or cycle, are a resident, business owner, or just travel through the area, your views, opinions and insights are valuable to us to shape the project.
Please share the link www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/Calderdalehubs with anyone you think would be interested in taking part. If you intend to submit a joint response on behalf of a group/organisation, please share the link with your colleagues/members so they can provide an individual response, should they wish to do so.
How will residents and businesses be kept informed on the progress of the scheme?
You can register to follow the project and have your say in any future consultations at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/CalderdaleHubs. Updates on project progress will also be provided via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council webpages and via press articles. You can also contact your local ward Councillors. We will publish a report on the consultation response on this website.
Residents and businesses likely to be affected by any future construction works would be contacted directly closer to the time of works starting.
About the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS)
How is this scheme being funded?
The scheme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).
What is the CRSTS programme and who is involved?
The £830 million City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) is aimed at providing an integrated and inclusive transport network and was made possible thanks to the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal. This work will build on the significant investment already being made in making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport around West Yorkshire.
The Combined Authority is working in partnership to deliver schemes with local authority colleagues in Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Leeds.
You can read more about the CRSTS here: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/projects/city-regional-sustainable-transport-settlement-crsts-and-levelling-up-fund/
Can this funding be spent on other projects or improvements?
The funding awarded for CRSTS schemes by the Department for Transport is capital funding and can only be spent on the schemes for which it was awarded within the CRSTS bid. This means CRSTS funding cannot be reallocated to be spent elsewhere.
When will the programme of works be completed?
The programme is being delivered in phases. It is expected that all projects will be completed by the end of March 2027.
How does CRSTS complement other transport infrastructure schemes being delivered across the region?
It will build on the significant investment already made through the Combined Authority’s other programmes, such as the Transforming Cities Fund, the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, and Levelling Up Fund.
How can I have my say on schemes in my area?
Details of the CRSTS consultations, along with consultations on many other schemes, can be found at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk, where you can register to hear directly about new consultations in your area.
You can also get in touch with the Combined Authority’s Communities, Consultation and Engagement team by emailing YourVoice@westyorksca-gov.uk, by calling 0113 245 7676, or by writing to Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA)