The station's importance had gradually declined because other lines connecting Manchester and Leeds were built via Halifax and Huddersfield, bypassing Brighouse.

Brighouse station passed into British Railways ownership upon nationalisation in 1948,[2] and was operated as part of the North Eastern Region.

Plans for a station in Elland to open at the same time as Brighouse were cancelled due to lack of funds.

From the December 2019 timetable change, the Leeds via Halifax service now terminates at Bradford Interchange on weekdays and Saturdays (it still operates through on Sundays).

Northern Rail and West Yorkshire Metro secured joint funding from the Department for Transport's Access for All – Small Schemes initiative to provide a new Customer Information System at the station.

[citation needed] In addition; Northern has announced plans to replace the station's HelpPoint intercom system with a more updated reliable model.

This will let passengers speak to a member of staff in Northern's control centre for information or to summon assistance in emergency situations.