Otley Shared Transport Hub
Consultation has concluded
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?
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:
- Complete our survey by 11.59pm on Sunday 22 September
- Ask us a question
- Read frequently asked questions here
- Join us at an event to speak to the project team
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:
- Tuesday 3 September, 6pm – 7pm Register here for the webinar
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:
- Email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
- Phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676
- Write to FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA (no stamp needed)
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.
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.