Greater Manchester, at the heart of the North West, is a fundamental hub to the rest of the region’s train network. The city region has a rail network covering 142 route miles and 98 stations all offering regular passenger connections to other parts of the city and country including all major UK cities. Over 20 million passengers used rail in Greater Manchester in 2007 andthere are three services every hour to London. (GMPTE, 2007)
Every urban centre in the city region is connected to the city centre by rail or metrolink. Manchester’s Piccadilly is at the heart of Manchester’s rail network. All journeys from the West Coast of England to London take an average of 2 hours. Virgin train’s half hourly service from Manchester to London Euston use tilting Pendolino trains which achieve a top speed of 140m.p.h. thus help to cut the journey time and increase freight capacity on the West Coast by 70%.
Metrolink
Manchester city region was the first in the UK to operate an on street, light rail transport system. Operating since 1992, the Metrolink offers fast and frequent services, fully accessible to all, running at regular intervals 7 days a week, 364 days per year.
Metrolink, being a pioneer for comparable transport schemes around the UK, combines the benefits of any traditional tram system with modern technology and rail characteristics to provide an effective alternative to other means of transport for residents, commuters and visitors to the Manchester city region. Research has suggested that at least 2 million car journeys have been taken off the road each year along the metrolink corridor.
18.8 million people used the Metrolink in 2006/7 and there is a daily patronage of around 52,000 passenger journeys.
32 light rail vehicles operate along the network which is approximately 37km and serves 37 stops in and around the city centre, Southwards to Altrincham and Northwards to Bury. Due to further increases in passenger demand, a third development phase is planned to include three further metrolink extensions encompassing services to:
Oldham & Rochdale
South Manchester & Manchester Airport
East Manchester & Ashton under Lyne
With further lines proposed to:
Trafford Park & The Trafford Centre
The Lowry
East Didsbury & Stockport
For more information about Manchester’s rail or Metrolink network, please contact MIDAS.
