West Yorkshire District Centre Mode Share Counts

Policy Context The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is issuing this Planned Procurement Notice to inform potential Consultants of an upcoming procurement opportunity for the provision of robust, consistent monitoring data for district centre traffic mode share counts within West Yorkshire region to measure progress against ambitious transport targets related to walking, cycling, public transport use, and future mass transit investment. West Yorkshire faces significant challenges including the climate emergency, low physical activity levels, congestion, and transport-related social exclusion. In response, the Combined Authority and partner districts have set strong targets for increasing sustainable travel. Monitoring progress against these targets requires reliable local data. Existing sources such as the National Travel Survey lack sufficient local sample sizes, while proprietary data solutions are considered unsuitable due to their lack of transparency. Although district councils have historically collected cordon counts around major centres (Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield, and Dewsbury), inconsistencies in methods limit their value. While district centre cordon counts do not provide a complete picture of all travel movements, they are an established, relatively cost effective method for assessing modal share, particularly for travel to work. As such, they will play a key role in monitoring the Local Transport Plan and evaluating major transport programmes. Scope of Work and Survey Design The commission covers annual cordon counts undertaken simultaneously across West Yorkshire. The contract will be awarded on a 2+1-year basis, with a guaranteed two years and an optional third year subject to the Consultant being successful after annual performance review. Key survey requirements include: • Counts conducted in both directions • A full 7 day period, excluding bank and school holidays • Coverage from 7am to 7pm • Data recorded in 15 minute intervals Simultaneity across modes and locations is strongly preferred to ensure comparability. Count locations are based on historical cordons for continuity, with flexibility for relocation or additions where needed. Each site must be individually assessed, as resource requirements may vary. Data Collection Elements i. Bus, Traffic, and Active Mode Counts Counts must classify a wide range of transport modes, including several categories of buses, cars, taxis, pedal cycles, powered two wheelers, pedestrians, and goods vehicles (LGVs, OGV1, and OGV2). Consultants may choose the most appropriate technology, including CCTV or video based solutions, provided methodological robustness is demonstrated. ii. Vehicle Occupancy Counts Occupancy data is required for cars, taxis, powered two wheelers, and all public service vehicles (PSVs) at designated sites. Occupancy is expected to be recorded visually, with defined classification bands for each mode (e.g. 1–4+ occupants for cars; varying fullness levels for PSVs). iii. Rail Station Usage Counts Rail demand is to be measured using station usage as a proxy, by counting passengers passing through ticket barriers in both directions. This applies to eight stations across the district centres. Multiple count points may be needed at stations with more than one barrier line. The document acknowledges limitations, particularly the inability to capture through travel, and encourages Consultants to propose alternative cost effective methods if appropriate. Consultants must arrange access permissions for stations. Consultants must identify rail replacement buses during the survey period and count passengers boarding and alighting. iv. Re survey Criteria Any non trivial disruption must be reported immediately and rectified as soon as possible on the same day of the week after the survey period. Data Format and Methodological Standards All data must be delivered in machine readable CSV format, free from merged cells or formatting …