'Station signs not enough to solve problem'

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 29th Jun 2005.

A national rail users' body has been blasted for suggesting Bradford can overcome its lack of a city-centre cross-rail link by putting up better signs for passengers walking between the Interchange and Forster Square.

In its annual report, out today, the Rail Passengers Committee says a link is a "worthy aspiration" but suggests the "more immediate" improvement.

The RPC has now requested new signs from Northern Rail which operates the Interchange.

In its report it says: "We . . . highlighted the lack of information or signage which could point people in the direction of the other station.

"Northern representatives agreed to put up boards at Interchange to inform people which services they can access at Forster Square."

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe said the RPC had missed an opportunity: "This solution is minuscule. A rail link would help increase the prosperity of the city.

"We think the technology is there for it and now is the time to do it. The RPC could have done more to help us."

RPC spokesman Ian Duff said: "This is in no way a long term answer, but a rail link is not going to happen for years.

"The problem is that when I am in Bradford I am not aware there is another station where I can get other trains from. There is nothing telling me that, within a short distance there are other travel opportunities.

"Our view is that this should be addressed."

Despite its recommendation, the RPC report is critical of the rail service Bradford has inherited, saying: "With a population of more than half a million, Bradford is one of the region's largest cities. It is difficult to understand why it is so poorly served by rail compared with Leeds."

Alex Suchi, secretary of the Bradford Rail Users' Group, welcomed the report's wider conclusions, admitting: "A Bradford cross-rail link would not be built in the short-term... because of financial constraints in the rail industry."

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