22.01.15
Stockport closer to being connected to Metrolink with a tram-train
Plans to use a tram-train service to connect Stockport to the Metrolink network are moving forward, with the publication of a professional study by Atkins into its feasibility.
The plans involve the existing Marple to Manchester Piccadilly service being adapted to a tram-train system, and in turn connected to Stockport town centre. The new southern ‘orbital’ route would run from Reddish through the Heatons into Stockport and then out through Edgeley, Cheadle Heath, Cheadle, Gatley and Baguley.
The basic idea has been discussed for a number of years and briefly discussed by Metrolink director Peter Cushing in an interview with RTM late last year, but has been fleshed out in more detail this week.
A Department for Transport-funded £60m pilot scheme for tram-trains is currently taking place in South Yorkshire, which would see a light rail vehicle run on the disused heavy rail freight line between Rotherham and Sheffield.
Transport for Greater Manchester has been interested in tram-trains since 2012 and in 2013 approved plans to develop a tram-train strategy for the region.
The Atkins study notes: “The Greater Manchester Metrolink is of a different design to the Sheffield trams and as such it is anticipated there may be fewer technical issues. The outcome of the pilot is expected to influence the prospects for tram-train elsewhere in the UK.
“In the Stockport area the introduction of the tram-train concept would enable the use of underutilised rail lines, thereby potentially reducing the capital cost of transport schemes. It would potentially enable existing rail networks to be expanded by creating new on-street sections, which connect into the existing Metrolink network and improving transport connectivity across Greater Manchester.”
Cheadle MP Mark Hunter told the Manchester Evening News: “These proposals, backed by Stockport council and TfGM, are a major step forward and there’s now a real opportunity to have trams running on the new line in a decade or less. We have a solid economic case, but there is still a lot of work to do. We have to show that this has strong community support and a good business case if we’re going to get the funding to get this on the ground.”
The proposals come in a rail study for Stockport published jointly by Stockport Council and TfGM.
However Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, has indicated it is more of a long-term project for the area.
He said: “At this point, tram-train is one of the longer term projects for Greater Manchester and it is something we will continue to support as strongly as we can.
“Since we agreed an initial strategy at the end of 2013, a lot of detailed work has been undertaken to ensure that, as and when the opportunity arises in terms of both funding and powers, we can realise the benefits of tram-train as soon as possible.
“This very useful report from Stockport Council will feed into our future plans and inform our ongoing engagement with Rail North.”
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