9th JUNE 2008

DISTRICT INFORMATION OVERVIEW

 

The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) aims to improve the public transport network across Greater Manchester bringing significant benefits to travellers on Metrolink, rail and bus networks, offering a truly integrated transport solution for families and business alike.

 

Across Greater Manchester

 

• An expanded, reliable and accessible bus network which, consistently delivers high quality easy to use services for Greater Manchester
• Bus feeder services to rail and Metrolink stations will be strengthened with direct and more frequent services to the city centre and other town centres across the region
• There will be easy to use orbital services operating throughout the day, making bus journeys a real alternative to the car for more people
• Up to 35km of new lines to the Metrolink network - total network of up to 103km
• The tram network will be extended to destinations including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and  Ashton under Lyne, and  funds have been earmarked for Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre
• Major expansion of capacity on local trains through additional carriages
• Major improvements to 10 railway stations
• Improvements to passenger facilities at 31 further local rail stations
• Real time information displays at all major bus and rail stations
• 120 new yellow school buses
• 8 new state-of-the-art interchanges
• Integrated ticketing arrangements, including smartcard
• Doubling of park and ride provision on rail/Metrolink networks
• Fully-funded behavioural change / change support programme
• Improved facilities for cyclists across Greater Manchester
• Charging scheme operational  from Summer 2013

 

DISTRICT BY DISTRICT

 

Bolton

A new bus transit service will be created running every 8 minutes during the day to and from Bolton, through Farnworth and Kearsley and Manchester city centre.

 

The relocation of the current Moor Lane bus station will be brought forward and it will be rebuilt as a state-of-the-art gateway into Bolton, close to the existing train station.

 

Rail stations including Lostock Hall i’th’Wood, Bromley Cross, Blackrod, Westhoughton and Daisy Hill will be refurbished and much needed new platforms will be built at Lostock station. There will also be an increase in the capacity of peak time trains.

 

• Improvements will be made to existing station facilities which will form part of a new state-of-the-art transport interchange
• New platforms at Lostock Station providing a direct link to Wigan and an increased frequency of train service
• Expansion of the capacity with more carriages on peak time trains
• Extension of Horwich Parkway park and ride facility (90 extra spaces)
• Refurbishment and improved passenger facilities at Hall I’th Wood, Bromley Cross, Blackrod, Westhoughton and Daisy Hill stations 
• New high quality bus transit scheme linking Bolton, Farnworth, Kearsley and Manchester
• Local bus service improvements across Bolton including, for example,  improved services to the Middlebrook employment area

 

Bury

In Bury the TIF package will open up a vastly expanded Metrolink network providing fast new links to and from Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and Ashton under Lyne and funds have been earmarked for an extension to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre. The TIF package will also see double length trams running on all services to Bury at peak times.

 

• Access to a significantly expanded range of destinations by Metrolink as a result of the network expansion to Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Besses o’th Barns and Prestwich
• Double trams on all Metrolink services during peak periods thereby almost doubling available capacity
• The tram network will be extended to destinations including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and  Ashton under Lyne and funds have been earmarked for links toTrafford Park and the Trafford Centre
• Improvements to the main bus routes to Bury town centre and on main routes to and from Manchester with  more reliable services to ensure better connections to north Bury towards the Bury town centre and the city centre
• Local bus service improvements across Bury including, for example, better connections to the Pilsworth retail and industrial parks

 

Manchester

Other transport improvements the TIF package will deliver include day-time trams every six minutes from Piccadilly to Droylsden and from Victoria to Chorlton and East Didsbury.

 

The bus network will also be radically overhauled providing more frequent, reliable buses running as part of a well-coordinated and simplified network.

 

Specific improvements include major changes to the way in which bus services along Oxford Road operate. The route – which is one of the busiest bus routes in Europe, will see major work carried out to improve journey times. There will also be major new interchange facilities created at Chorlton Street, at the old Mayfield Goods station next to Piccadilly station, in addition to refurbishments of the facility at Piccadilly Gardens for the new bus transit services.

 

• There will also be major refurbishment work carried out at Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria stations.
• New Metrolink extensions  and a second city centre Metrolink line to relieve capacity constraints and improve city centre access 
• New high quality Oxford Road bus transit scheme on one of Europe’s busiest bus corridors.
• New bus interchanges at Chorlton Street and Parker  Street
• New coach facility at  the old Mayfield Goods Station
• Improvements to facilities for passengers at Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and Ashburys stations catering  for forecast extra passengers 
• Additional capacity on rail routes into the city centre at peak times
• Local bus service improvements to key employment areas such as Manchester Airport and Central Park and to hospitals
• New cross city bus services 

 

Oldham

In Oldham the Metrolink is already on its way, but the TIF package will see a revised route bringing the tram through the heart of the town centre with stops at Westwood, King Street and a relocated Oldham Mumps.

 

There will also be an increase in the capacity of peak time trains running through Greenfield and Mills Hill as well as refurbished facilities at Greenfield and improved park and ride facilities at Mills Hill and Shaw and Crompton, delivering a total of approximately 450 spaces.

 

The number and frequency of bus services across Oldham will increase and vehicle quality, cleanliness and reliability will improve to meet the needs of commuters.

 

• Metrolink connection to the heart of the town centre - new stops at Westwood, King Street  and a relocated Oldham Mumps
• Expansion of Metrolink park and ride facilities at Shaw and Crompton (164 more spaces) and Mills Hill rail station
• Access to a wide variety of new Metrolink destinations as a result of expansion including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and Ashton under Lyne and funds have been earmarked for Trafford  Park and the Trafford Centre
• Increased carriages on services from Greenfield and Mills Hill stations in peak periods
• Refurbishment of Greenfield Station
• Local bus service improvements across Oldham including, for example, improved feeder services to the new Metrolink line at Shaw and Crompton and improved services to Royal Oldham Hospital

 

Rochdale

In Rochdale the Metrolink is already on its way, but the TIF package will see further extension into the heart of the town centre with stops on Drake Street and close to the bus station. A new transport interchange will also be created allowing easy passenger access to both tram and bus services.

 

Peak time trains will see additional capacity, and both Castleton and Smithy Bridge stations will be refurbished and there will also be expanded park and ride facilities on offer at Mills Hill.

 

• The number of bus routes across Rochdale will increase and quality and reliability will dramatically improve.
• New Metrolink extension into the heart of the town centre - new stops at Drake Street and adjacent to Rochdale Bus Station
• Access to a wide variety of new Metrolink destinations as a result of expansion including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and Ashton under Lyne and funds have been earmarked for connections to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre
• New Rochdale town centre bus/tram interchange
• Improvements to Rochdale station - modernised booking office, improved platform and waiting facilities and 300 new park and ride spaces  
• Big increase in number of seats on trains at peak times relieving overcrowding problems
• Improved station facilities including CCTV and real time passenger  information at Castleton and Smithy Bridge and expanded park and ride facility at Mills Hill (280 additional spaces)
• Local bus service improvements across Rochdale including, for example, improved connections to Rochdale Infirmary and the Kingsway employment area and better feeder services to the Metrolink service

 

Salford

In Salford the TIF package will see a much improved bus service to outlying areas and improved services and connectivity in local bus routes.  The tram network extended to destinations including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury and Ashton under Lyne and funds have been earmarked for Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre.

 

The improvements to the tram network with the improved new bus routes will create direct links to currently hard to reach parts of the city. In addition, a facility to make interchanges easier between buses and trains will be built close to Salford Central station.

 

The number of seats on trains will increase on routes via Swinton and Eccles. Salford Central and Salford Crescent railway stations will be significantly improved.

 

Major improvements on bus services to neighbourhoods in outlying areas of the city

• Local bus service improvements across Salford  including improved connections to Salford Quays / Media City from neighbouring parts of Salford and Trafford
• Leigh – Salford – Manchester bus transit scheme with high frequency services, premium quality vehicles, CCTV and real time passenger information at stops 
• Improved connections between trains and buses in the Salford Central area
• Access to a much expanded range of destinations by Metrolink as a result of the network expansion from Eccles, Salford Quays/ Media City
• Significant improvements to Rail Stations:
• Major investment at Salford Central and Salford Crescent
• Investment in improved real time passenger information, CCTV and signage at Walkden, Eccles and Irlam
• Extra carriages on rail lines via Swinton and Eccles

 

Stockport

In Stockport the TIF package will see the existing bus station in the town centre transformed into a modern interchange, there will be new bus routes, a dramatic increase in the quality and reliability of the buses in use and a greatly improved pedestrian link between the bus station and the train station. There will also be space in the new interchange for trams to arrive in the town.

 

Other transport improvements the TIF package will deliver include new park and ride facilities in Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green, Romiley and Hazel Grove and refurbished stations in Bramhall, Woodsmoor, Reddish North, Brinnington, Bredbury and Rose Hill.

 

 The package will also see an increase in capacity on peak time trains.

 

• Refurbishment of Bramhall, Bredbury, Woodsmoor, Reddish North, Brinnington and Rose Hill stations with new facilities such as CCTV, real time passenger information and better signage
• Local bus service improvements across Stockport including improved feeder services to train stations and to local employment centres and better connections on main routes
• New Stockport town centre interchange, integrated with wider town centre proposals and capable of accommodating future Metrolink expansion
• Improved connections between the new interchange and the rail station
• Increase in the seating capacity of local trains in peak hours with improvements on the Bramhall, Stockport, Airport, Hazel Grove  and Marple/ Rose Hill lines
• Improved park and ride facilities at Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green and Romiley  and Hazel Grove

 

Tameside

The TIF package will bring a Metrolink line all the way into Ashton town centre with stops at Audenshaw, Ashton Moss, Ashton West and Ashton Town Centre. This will allow people to travel to destinations including Didsbury, Rochdale and Altrincham with ease.

 

The package will also see trams running every six minutes during the day from Ashton and Droylsden to Piccadilly.

 

Other transport improvements the TIF strategy will deliver include an increase in the capacity of trains running through Ashton and a free, secure park and ride facility at Stalybridge station with 340 spaces.

 

 

• Metrolink extension from Droylsden to Ashton providing stops at Audenshaw, Ashton Moss, Ashton West and Ashton town centre
• Access to a wide variety of new Metrolink destinations as a result  of network expansion
• New park and ride facility at Stalybridge Station with 340 spaces
• Additional seating capacity on peak hour train services
• Flowery Field, Newton for Hyde, Hattersley and Broadbottom stations refurbished with CCTV, real time passenger information, additional seating and shelters 
• Local bus service improvements across Tameside  including improved feeder services to the new Metrolink service, rail stations and to local employment opportunities and a new limited stop service from Hyde and Gee Cross to the city centre   
• The tram network will be extended to destinations including Manchester Airport, East Didsbury, Ashton and funds have been earmarked for Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre

 

Trafford

Funds have been earmarked in the TIF package for a 6.3km extension of the Metrolink line to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre. This package will deliver links to new routes to Manchester Airport, East Didsbury, Ashton under Lyne and Oldham and Rochdale town centres. A new park and ride facility will be created close to Sale Water Park with space for 300 cars.

 

All trams on the Altrincham line in the peak period will be double length.

 

Altrincham’s bus station will also be redeveloped into an integrated transport hub with improved passenger facilities, a new footbridge and platform canopies.

 

A new interchange will also be opened near to Manchester United’s ground improving access for fans making it easier to change between trains and trams.

 

More seats will be delivered on local trains running through Altrincham and Urmston.

 

• Additional new Metrolink stop at Sale Water Park with 300 park and ride spaces
• Double trams on all Metrolink services during peak periods on the Altrincham line and access to a wide variety of new Metrolink destinations
• New Metrolink extensions via Firswood and Sale Water Park to Manchester Airport and funds have been earmarked for a Metrolink service to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre
• Short-term improvements in Trafford Park prior to the Metrolink expansion will include shuttle bus services
• The tram network will be extended to destinations including East Didsbury, Ashton under Lyne, Rochdale town centre and Oldham town centre
• Redevelopment of Altrincham interchange making changing between bus, train and tram easier
• New interchange at White City to improve interchange between trains and trams and provide better connections to Old Trafford
• Improvements to Hale and Flixton train stations including CCTV, better train information and improved signage and more capacity on local rail services
• Local bus service improvements including improved connections to Trafford Park and feeder services to Metrolink services

 

Wigan

In Wigan the TIF package will see the introduction of an express bus route running from Leigh through Salford to Manchester operating on a separate track to general traffic ensuring much quicker progress.

 

TIF will deliver more seats on trains running through Atherton and increased capacity on trains travelling through Bolton. There will also be a multi-million pound refurbishment of railway stations including improvements at Hindley, Ince, Pemberton, Bryn, Gathhurst and Appley Bridge as well as major work carried out in the town creating a state of the art interchange improving connections between Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western, along with improvements to a number of nearby bus stops.

 

• Wigan/Leigh Salford Manchester bus transit scheme, including enhancements to the original scheme and local park  and ride facilities
• Major improvements to Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western railway stations, including improved connections between the stations, better waiting areas and passenger information and improved links to local bus services.
• Refurbished rail stations at Atherton, Appley Bridge, Bryn, Gathurst, Hindley, Ince, Pemberton and Wallgate with improved shelter, CCTV and real time passenger information  
• Increased seating capacity on trains via Atherton and Bolton
• Local bus service improvements across Wigan including, for example,  improved connections to local employment areas and hospitals and feeder services to rail stations
• Development of Golborne station options – flexibility within package to support the delivery of preferred option

 

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