For a number of months, the Friends of Ilkley Railway Station (FOIRS) have been consulting with local residents and other users to understand people’s views of Ilkley's public transport services and facilities. A recent survey has now closed, and the group have been able to analyse the results.
Stephen Thornton, Chair of the FOIRS group told us “We would like to thank everyone who responded, it's very much appreciated. What we can certainly see from the feedback that the rail and bus services, along with the facilities, are very important to the residents of Ilkley.”
The analysis shows the following:-
Rail Travel
2% of respondents never use the train
48% of respondents use the train most days or weekly
Bus Travel
43% of respondents never use the bus
15% of respondents use the bus most days or weekly
The key reasons given for not choosing the train more or at all were:-
20% say it is too expensive
18% say it doesn’t go to their required destinations
9% say the service is unreliable/strikes
The key reasons given for not choosing the bus more or at all were:-
37% say it doesn’t run when they need them
22% say it doesn’t go to their required destinations
With respect to the existing facilities the 3 most important are:-
Cover from the rain
Staffed ticket office
Seating
The demographics of the respondents is as follows:-
Under 16 17%
16 to 30 10%
31 to 60 40%
Over 60 33%
Prefer not to say 1%
With regard to improvement of the facilities:
The 3 most important were provision of toilets, better / more seating, and improved signage. For the signage, digital and historical information were a priority.
75% of respondents said YES to specific improvements of landscaping, planters and artwork on the station.
The Ilkley Rail and Bus Board which includes key stakeholders from Network & Northern Rail, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), Bradford Council, Ilkley Town Council and Ilkley BID will use this feedback and build it into future development plans.
Stephen added “Making changes to an area which involves so many stakeholders, particularly when funding is a major challenge, makes it all the more important that we start this process with good knowledge of what the people of Ilkley want. We believe our recent consultation now gives a firm mandate to support the proposed changes and hope to be able to progress with our plans over the coming months and years.”
Anyone wanting further information should email Stephen at friendsofilkleyrs@gmail.com
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Have a cracking time at Nell Bank this Easter
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
