Support Us
Now’s the time for Bradford’s businesses and young people to speak up and help make the case for why rail investment is vital for our future.
Whether you're a commuter, a student, a business owner, or someone who believes in a fairer future for the North, your support matters. Add your voice. Share the message. Help us make sure Bradford gets the rail investment it deserves.
Why your voice matters
Bradford’s residents deserve fairer transport for all, with the same level of infrastructure investment as other major UK cities. A new station will deliver a stronger regional economy, unlocking billions in growth, jobs, and opportunity across West Yorkshire and beyond.
It’s also about a greener future, with sustainable transport playing a vital role in tackling climate change and reducing congestion. And most importantly, it promises a better future for young people, improving access to education, employment, and opportunity to lift an entire generation.
Who’s standing with Bradford
Support for the Bradford Rail Programme is growing from civic leaders and small business owners to young people and climate advocates.
Backed by our well-established Mayoral Combined Authority, Mass Transit will boost local connectivity, while the Bradford Rail Programme will strengthen national links and complement these efforts creating a truly connected region.
Through our Voices of Bradford series, local businesses and organisations are speaking up for better rail. If you want to add your voice, we’d love to hear from you.
What do we want?
Following the Government’s announcement, Bradford is now recognised as a priority within Northern Powerhouse Rail. The focus must now be on delivery — securing a clear commitment to a new city-centre through-station and progressing plans for improved connections between Bradford, Huddersfield and Manchester.
With early work underway and a decision on the new station expected this summer, the next step is maintaining pace. That means clarity on funding and the release of resources needed to continue design, engineering and development work, so momentum is not lost and Bradford’s rail ambitions are fully realised.
How You Can Help
Share your story
Why does Bradford need better rail connections? Post your thoughts or experiences online.
Avoid negativity or blame, focus on the benefits, opportunity, and solutions the new station will bring.
Spread the word
Share with friends, family and tag away. The more people talking about better rail for Bradford, the better!
And don’t forget to use the hashtags:
#BeMoreBradford
#GetToWorkOnIt
#BuildtheStationBacktheNorth
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Become a ‘Bradvocate’
Join the growing movement backing the Bradford Rail Programme. Whether you're a local resident, business owner, educator, or simply believe in a better-connected North — we want to hear from you.
By emailing us at bradfordrail@bradford.gov.uk, you’ll get access to everything you need — from campaign materials and key messages to updates and ways to show your support.
Whether you’ve got time to spread the word, share on socials, or just want to stay in the loop — every voice counts.
Email now to get involved. Let’s make some noise for Bradford.
Why is it important?
for young people it would:
Improve accessibility acting as an extension of the city centre
Deliver greener transport, tackling carbon emissions and promoting clean energy
Remove barriers to opportunity promoting social mobility and tackling inequality
Make it easier for young people to travel for jobs, internships, and apprenticeships, expanding their career options and access to a wider job market
Allow our talented young people to attend universities, colleges, and training programmes in Bradford or surrounding cities, increasing opportunities for learning and personal development
Connect young people to social events, festivals, and other cities, enhancing their ability to network, socialise, and experience new cultures and communities
Help young people feel more connected to their city and their future, giving people more reasons to stay and build their life here
for businesses it would:
Improve accessibility acting as an extension of the city centre
Deliver greener transport, tackling carbon emissions and promoting clean energy
Remove barriers to opportunity promoting social mobility and tackling inequality
Kickstart economic growth – increasing job opportunities, with access to larger pool of skilled workers and cross-pollination of ideas
Help drive our wider regeneration ambitions – giving investors confidence in our future. Public investment will increase the attractiveness of Bradford and increase potential returns
What it means for bradford
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Economic Growth
Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities and one of its most entrepreneurial – but we’re being held back. A new rail station is an investment in jobs, productivity, and a thriving Northern economy.
A new station will add billions to the Northern economy and create thousands of job.
Significant growth isn’t possible without unlocking Bradford’s potential: Without proper infrastructure, our future is limited.
The Government’s Industrial Strategy: It is clear that growth-driving sectors demand high-quality transport infrastructure.
Connectivity Across the North: It will benefit West Yorkshire AND Greater Manchester by offering network resilience between Leeds and Manchester.
A Gateway for Investment: The Southern Gateway will attract investment and enhance Bradford's role as a strategic link between the North and the rest of the UK.
Confidence for Investors: Public investment will increase the attractiveness of Bradford and increase potential returns/derisk.
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Unlocking Opportunities for Young People
For the young people of Bradford, a new rail station isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about opening doors to education, employment, and a brighter future.
Access to Employment: Bradford’s young people often face barriers to high-quality job opportunities due to limited transport options. A new rail station connects them to Leeds and beyond, expanding access to thousands of jobs, internships, and apprenticeships.
Education and Skills Development: Better connectivity means Bradford’s young people can more easily attend universities, colleges, and training programs in Leeds and other cities, boosting their skills and employability.
Youth Empowerment: Young people want access to the wider world, and transport links are key to unlocking that potential. A station in Bradford would give them the freedom to explore, learn, and grow without being held back by poor transport options.
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Bradford + Leeds: An economic powerhouse
By strengthening connections to Leeds, we can unlock the full economic potential of the entire West Yorkshire region.
A rail link creates a powerhouse: Bradford and Leeds become hubs of talent, innovation, and opportunity.
Bradford and Leeds are economic partners: Lack of rail connectivity limits collaboration and workforce mobility.
Agglomeration boosts productivity: A direct link will enhance job creation and investment in both cities.
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National Connectivity
A station in central Bradford fills a crucial gap in the national rail network. This is more than just a win for Bradford – it strengthens the entire UK transport infrastructure.
Reduced journey times: Connecting London to Bradford will drastically cut travel times, improving access and efficiency.
Enhanced east-west links: Strengthening these connections is vital for regional logistics, tourism, and economic growth across the nation.
Facilitating knowledge exchange: Faster rail links enable the movement of ideas and expertise, fostering innovation and boosting the UK’s competitive edge.
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Fairness & Equality
Bradford’s 550,000 residents deserve the same transport opportunities as other major UK cities. This is about fairness, and it’s time to level the playing field.
Bradford faces significant infrastructure disparities compared to other UK cities.
Major investment for Bradford: Other major cities have received significant transport investments – it’s time Bradford did too.
Inequality in transport access: The current rail network isolates a diverse and growing population, limiting access to opportunities.
Bridging the gap: A new rail station is essential for connecting Bradford’s residents to the same opportunities enjoyed by other cities.
14 of Bradford’s 30 wards rank in the 10% most deprived in England – the Government must help address this inclusivity, equalities and diversity issue.
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Environmental Impact
If we want a greener future, we need to get cars off the roads. Fast, reliable rail through Bradford will reduce emissions and ease congestion across the region.
Reducing road dependency: A through-station would encourage a shift from cars to rail, cutting traffic and lowering carbon footprints.
Cleaner air, healthier people: Lower emissions contribute to better air quality, leading to improved health outcomes for residents.
Sustainable future: Investing in rail supports long-term sustainability, helping to combat climate change and protect future generations.
Progress so far
✅ Funding for regen studies
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) releases funding to model the regeneration uplift from the new Bradford Rail Programme.
Department for Transport (DfT) allocates £0.5 million to accelerate work on the Bradford Rail Programme.
✅ Technical and Design Work has started
Network Rail have begun engineering and design studies, including cost estimates to inform the business case.
Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) development in progress.
✅ Masterplanning and Development
Arup appointed as Southern Gateway masterplanning partners.
Land referencing and assembly studies now underway.
✅ Collaboration and Partnerships
National Wealth Fund (NWF) Local Advisory team partnering with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC).
Mayoral Combined Authority and partners reviewing station location options to ensure alignment with Mass Transit interfaces.