Key Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The survey ran from 2nd\u2013 16th February 2025. 343 responded – of which 325 were
primarily using Slaithwaite and Marsden to start their journeys (95% of respondents)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three most travelled to destinations were Leeds (52%), Manchester (26%) and
Huddersfield (13%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
73% of respondents were using the service for leisure, with 63% using the service for
work (this adds up to more than 100% as people could select more than one).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the option to rate the service out of 5 stars, the people of the area gave an average
of 2.5 stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Priorities for Improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When given a choice of five areas to improve, people selected them in the following Reliability of service (82%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequency of service (67%) \u2013 with comments saying that trains should be more Direct connections (63%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overcrowding (49%) \u2013 with people noting the use of three car services at peak Accessibility (32%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other people also mentioned the cost of travel (particularly to Manchester), car parking, 79.3% of people said that increasing the frequency of the trains service to one train 83% of people said they were concerned by the loss of direct service to Leeds, with the Inconvenience: frustration with the increased journey time and inconvenience Overcrowding: The change has resulted in overcrowded trains and platforms, Negative Impacts: People are feeling this as increased stress and difficulties in Economy and Environment: The loss of direct train services has potential Representative comments made by rail users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe availability of a regular service to Manchester and Leeds is the main reason why I can live in Marsden. Effective commuter services are essential to our community\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Marsden, mostly uses for work)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe reliability of the service has improved since the Government took over ownership of TPE. It is very disappointing that the timetable changes were enacted with no regard for the passengers of the commuter towns. I pay the same fair for a worse service. This is not reasonable.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n (Slaithwaite, mostly uses for work)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have a holiday let and if the train services were more often and reliable we would certainly have more people coming to stay and helping the local economy\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n (Slaithwaite, \u201cMy main complaint is about reliability. If I am attending any time-critical event I don\u2019t use the train because of disappointment in the past\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n (Marsden, mostly uses for leisure)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNumber of carriages on most services needs to be increased. I travel on the early morning Manchester Piccadilly train regularly & every time the conductor makes an announcement that the service is very busy this morning- but it\u2019s every morning!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Annex \u2013 Detail of Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Colne Valley rail users give just 2.5 stars to their rail service \u2013 after 343 peopleresponded to SMART survey in February 2025 The three most travelled to destinations were Leeds (52%), Manchester (26%) andHuddersfield (13%) The top three issues raised … Continue reading
order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
regular through the day and also later in the evening (with some people saying
they can no longer attend evening events in Leeds or Manchester due to
frequency\/reliability issues)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
times as a particular bugbear<\/p>\n\n\n\n
more space for bikes on trains, the lack of access to the ticket machine at Marsden and
the cleanliness\/lighting at stations. People particularly noted the impact this was having
on local businesses, with some people saying it meant that they lost work as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
every half an hour in each direction would increase their usage of the railway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Direct services to Leeds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
following reasons given:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
caused by the need to change trains at Huddersfield \u2013 particularly on the return
journey from Leeds where people might be waiting an hour for a connection if
missed. The change has led to longer overall travel times, missed connections,
and a less reliable commute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
particularly at Huddersfield. Respondents report difficulties in finding seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
managing childcare and work schedules. Many respondents mentioned
considering driving as a more reliable alternative. It also particularly affects
those with accessibility requirements (who may already be disadvantaged by
Marsden station issues).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
negative effects on the local economy, as fewer people may choose to live in or
commute from the Colne Valley. Additionally, the increased reliance on cars for
commuting could lead to higher road congestion and pollution.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
mostly uses for leisure)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
(Slaithwaite, mostly uses for work)
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