SMART has submitted its proposals for future train services at Slaithwaite and Marsden to Metro, as part of the consultation for Metro’s draft Railplan 7.
Railplan 7 has been prepared by Metro, and is intended to set out their vision for rail improvements up to 2026, and to inform the specification of the next rail franchises.
Unfortunately the draft railplan fails to even acknowledge the existence of a train service at Slaithwaite and Marsden, let alone make any proposals to improve it.
We are surprised that Metro has ignored the train service to Slaithwaite and Marsden, when it has detailed proposals for every other train service within West Yorkshire. Maybe they don’t know where Marsden and Slaithwaite are!
SMART calls for
- a half-hourly train calling at all intermediate stations between Huddersfield, Stalybridge and Manchester;
- No increase in the number of expresses until the infrastructure is provided to enable this to be done in addition to a half-hourly local passenger service and freight traffic. Increased capacity for express services can be provided by lengthening existing trains;
- Improved rolling stock;
- passenger information screens at both Slaithwaite and Marsden stations, as a high priority;
- Station accessibility improvements at Marsden to be prioritised;
- A new station at Golcar/Milnsbridge;
- Implementation of the Northern Hub proposals in full, including reopening the disused Standedge tunnels;
- Improved Sunday services;
- Bus substitution during engineering works to be minimised;
- A commitment to investigate and remove cross-boundary fare anomalies (the “tunnel tax”)
SMART is opposed to plans to reduce the existing train service by introducing “skip-stopping”.
As the final version of Railplan 7 will inform the franchising process, it is important that it contains Metro’s aspirations for maintaining and improving the train service, and that it covers all routes within West Yorkshire. Without substantial amendment so far as the service to Slaithwaite and Marsden is concerned, it fails to do this.
Update 17th July
We now have a letter from Metro dated 12th July which states
“Several hundred responses ….[have]……. been received on Railplan 7. In considering the responses, including your own, ……….. the Railplan is being amended to reflect the need to improve services at [Slaithwaite and Marsden] stations, subject to a satisfactory and value for money business case being identified.”
and
“It is Metro’s understanding that the route electrification will allow the 6 fast/semi-fast trains per hour between Leeds and Manchester to be introduced not at the expense of the local stopping service”.
