The Department for Transport, Network Rail and Transport for the North have jointly published a consultation seeking views on proposals for a more reliable train service across the North.
This brings forward options to create a simpler, more evenly spaced timetable, which reduces the risk of delays and cancellations for passengers.
The solutions being proposed will reduce congestion in Greater and central Manchester, as well as reducing the number of delays, which will have a knock-on benefit for passengers living and working in the High Peak. Forecasts show the most radical options will improve reliability by around 30 per cent.
The consultation comes after industry leaders were asked by the Government to identify ways of improving rail performance in January 2020.
Although the work is focused on Manchester, it is recognised that, pre-Covid, rail congestion in the City impacted on the performance of much of the network in the North.
The consultation will run for 8 weeks, and sets out to:
1. Explain the problem: how three main options have been developed and how they are being assessed.
2. Explain and seeks views on the trade-offs.
3. Explain and seek views on the detail of the options and their possible impacts on different routes into Manchester.
4. Sets out the next steps for the improvements.
The consultation is asking for views on three different options, A, B and C. There are no changes proposed for the Hadfield-Glossop line and there are no substantive changes proposed for the Hope Valley line.
However, there are potential changes on the Buxton to Manchester line, which serves Buxton, Dove Holes, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale and New Mills Newtown.
Option B and Option C both propose continuing the 2 trains per hour service to Buxton. However, Option A proposes 2 trains per hour during peak times and an hourly service during off-peak times.
These can be read in detail in the consultation document. Currently, there is a reduced timetable due to Covid and lockdown. This consultation is about services after the pandemic.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I do not want to see any reduction in services in the High Peak. I will be studying the proposals in more depth and holding discussions with Ministers and Network Rail as well as local rail user groups as soon as possible.
“I would strongly encourage you to take a look at the proposals in the link below and to respond to the consultation, expressing your opposition to Option A.”
