West Yorkshire District Centre Mode Share Counts

Description

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 inconsistencies. Methodologies must be: • Industry recognised and repeatable • Future proof and based on stable, replaceable technology • Accurate across all weather and lighting conditions Strict data protection and privacy requirements apply. No personal or identifiable data may be collected, number plates and facial recognition are prohibited, and any video footage must be deleted once verification is complete. Privacy notices must be clearly displayed and available to the public. Budget The maximum budget for the full three-year contract is £750,000 (excluding VAT). Estimated Date of Publication of Tender Notice 25th May 2026 Additional Information Please Note: 1. This Planned Procurement Notice is for Prior Information Only and is not a ‘Call for Competition’. 2. Following the review of the feedback received from the Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) in April 2026, the undermentioned changes were made to the information provided in the PME Notice: a. The maximum estimated budget has been changed from £775,000 to £750,000 b. The maximum contract period has been changed from four years to three years 3. The link to the Preliminary Market Engagement Notice of 2nd April 2026 is here https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040009-2024?origin=SearchResults&p=1. Any future opportunity, where advertised, will be available through the YORtender portal at https://yortender.eu-supply.com/pub/registercompany.asp?OID=9&B=YORTENDER and Consultants are encouraged to register in readiness for this. Please, see the attached updated draft Statement of Requirements for more details of the requirements and cordon count maps (this may be subject to change).