Land railway lines.
Submitted by Tim Oliver
The Cheshire East Council is calling on residents to participate in a consultation on plans to improve rail traffic through central Manchester as part of the recovery from Covid-19.
The proposals aim to increase reliability by simplifying services and reducing the number of trains on the Castlefield Corridor. Extensive work follows between the Ministry of Transport (DfT), the rail industry and Transport for the North.
Three options are presented in the consultation. These concern different routes and which routes would have direct connections to Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations and Manchester Airport. Each option has some significant implications, and Cheshire East rail users need to consider what impact their train travel could make.
According to DfT, the agreed option, which is to be introduced in May 2022, should “significantly improve overall reliability while at the same time maintaining travel connections from Covid for the vast majority of passengers”. However, some changes may result in different travel and impact plan decisions – including for Cheshire East residents.
Councilor Craig Browne, vice chairman of Cheshire East Council and Cabinet Secretary for Strategic Transportation, said: “This is an important consultation for rail users in Cheshire East and beyond – and I urge everyone to get involved, share their views and the Shaping the future of rail connections between Cheshire East, Manchester and the wider region.
“The proposals aim to provide passengers with a more reliable service with less risk of delays. In the long term, infrastructure changes are planned so that more services can be added in a sustainable way. It is important, however, that Cheshire East residents and railroad users are heard now and that their interests are protected and services improved – not reduced.
“The congestion in the pre-pandemic region caused regular delays in connections around Manchester and to Cheshire, which had a negative impact on reliability in the north.
“I am pleased that the rail industry is taking this opportunity – while the public is encouraged to stay home – to plan improvements for those using services in and around Manchester who are ready when passengers return in much greater numbers.
“I will respond on behalf of the council to meet the needs of residents across the county, but would welcome residents who are also participating in the consultation.”
To join the consultation, which runs until March 10, or to learn more, visit.
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