The following is a summary of the SMART response to the Manchester Recovery Taskforce consultation published on 14 January 2021 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The consultation aims to simplify train service patterns around Manchester in order to improve reliability. It is based on using the existing infrastructure, and accordingly can be implemented in advance of the Transpennine Route Upgrade or any other infrastructure projects. The proposal is to implement the outcome of the consultation with effect from May 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of the three options, B & C would deliver at Slaithwaite and Marsden a half-hourly service throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SMART’s Answers to the Questions posed by the consultation document<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Question 1<\/strong>: Do you support the aim of standardising\nand simplifying service patterns if this will significantly improve overall\ntrain performance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SMART supports the aim of standardising and simplifying\nservice patterns in the basis that this should significantly improve overall\ntrain performance. By some measures,\nduring the period of the May 2018 timetable Slaithwaite station experienced the\nworst record, in terms of delays and cancellations, on the entire UK rail\nnetwork, so passengers using these stations are more aware than most of the\nimpact of poor train performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question 2:<\/strong> Do you support the approach of measuring\nthe service level and performance impacts across all passengers to allow fair\ntrade-offs between options?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes <\/p>\n\n\n\n SMART supports the approach of measuring the service level\nand performance impacts across all passengers to allow fair trade-offs between\noptions. Given the capacity constraints\non the current infrastructure between Stalybridge and Huddersfield, SMART\nconsiders that local services should take priority over aspirations to increase\nthe frequency of longer distance services. \nSMART\u2019s view is that local services carry more passengers and provide\nthe greatest facility for access to jobs, education, facilities and services,\nthus stimulating the local economy and providing the greatest benefit to both\nthe local and regional economy. These\nlocal rail services also provide a sustainable transport alternative that help\nto promote sustainable development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question 3<\/strong>: On the basis of these results, which is\nyour preferred option?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option C will deliver a half-hourly service at Slaithwaite\nand Marsden stations and is stated in the consultation document as delivering\nthe best outcome in terms of reliability and punctuality, so this is our\npreferred option. The passenger figures produced by the ORR for Slaithwaite,\nMarsden and the neighbouring stations of Greenfield and Mossley provide ample\njustification for an improvement in service frequency to half-hourly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst Option B will also deliver a half-hourly service at\nSlaithwaite and Marsden stations, it is not expected to deliver the same level\nof punctuality and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Question 4<\/strong>: Please provide your views on the details\nof the proposed changes which are detailed by route in the Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SMART has only commented on services between Huddersfield\nand Manchester that serve the local stations of Mossley, Greenfield, Marsden\nand Slaithwaite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Option A involves limited changes and compared to the other\noptions does little to improve train performance. It does not deliver any\nimprovements for passengers at Slaithwaite and Marsden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Options B & C deliver a half hourly service at\nSlaithwaite and Marsden throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SMART\u2019s preferred option for the service pattern for the\nHuddersfield to Manchester (via TransPennine Main Line) is as set out in Option\nC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Provision of a half-hourly train service throughout the day at Slaithwaite and Marsden will bring the following benefits<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The following is a summary of the SMART response to the Manchester Recovery Taskforce consultation published on 14 January 2021 The consultation aims to simplify train service patterns around Manchester in order to improve reliability. It is based on using … Continue reading
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