Mid-Cheshire rail route could be set for upgrade

Author: Ashley Curtis - 07 March 2013

Increasing passenger numbers on a rail line in the North West could be the catalyst for improvement works like new stations and timetable improvements.

Reported by rail.co the north west's Mid-Cheshire line, which runs from Manchester to Stockport and Chester, has seen passenger numbers rise by 66 per cent between 1998 - 2010. If growth continues, it could increase annually at a rate of ten per cent.

The sheer levels of growth means a study will be carried out between now and April to look at journey times, timetable changes and the prospect of improved infrastructure. This could include changes to overarching station design along the line.

Funding for the project is being provided by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM committee, commented on the figures on placenorthwest.co.uk: "The Mid-Cheshire line is a key commuter rail route in the north west, with passenger numbers growing year on year as the statistics show.

"It is therefore very important that services meet passengers' needs and support economic growth along the corridor between Manchester and Chester. By carrying out this study along with our partner organisations, we hope to come up with proposals that could improve services for passengers and help develop the line's potential," he added.