The ‘tram train’ technology - which allows adapted trams to use existing heavy rail lines - would allow the route to run along the Stockport-Altrincham-Chester line for much of the distance
Plans to connect Stockport to the Metrolink network with a special ‘tram train’ system have been revealed.
Proposals are on the table to create an orbital route running from Reddish through the Heatons into Stockport and then out through Edgeley, Cheadle Heath, Cheadle, Gatley and Baguley.
The ‘tram train’ technology - which allows adapted trams to use existing heavy rail lines - would allow the route to run along the Stockport-Altrincham-Chester line for much of the distance.
Tram train possibilities have been discussed previously by TfGM - and a £60m pilot using one of flexible vehicles is due to take place in Sheffield.
Its supporters say its use in Greater Manchester would reduce cost and inconvenience by minimising the amount of new track that has to be laid.
Cheadle MP Mark Hunter said: “These proposals, backed by Stockport council and TfGM, are a major step forward and there’s now a real opportunity to have trams running on the new line in a decade or less. We have a solid economic case, but there is still a lot of work to do. We have to show that this has strong community support and a good business case if we’re going to get the funding to get this on the ground.”
The proposals come in a rail study for Stockport, published jointly by Stockport council and Transport for Greater Manchester.
It was initiated last year by Councillor Iain Roberts and, in addition to a new orbital tram route from Reddish through Cheadle and Gatley to Manchester Airport, also proposes introducing a tram service on the Marple-Manchester line, extending the East Didsbury Metrolink line into Stockport and through to Hazel Grove, and improving rail stations - especially Stockport Station.
It also deals with the challenges HS2 will bring - with a proposal to connect the West Coast Mainline with high speed rail to ensure Stockport remains a key hub.
Coun Roberts, deputy leader of Stockport council, said: “Stockport already has strong transport links and by improving what we currently have and further developing the rail network we can take a logical step forward in improving connectivity across the south of Manchester and beyond.”
Coun Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “At this point, tram-train is one of the longer term projects for Greater Manchester and it is something we will continue to support as strongly as we can.
“Since we agreed an initial strategy at the end of 2013, a lot of detailed work has been undertaken to ensure that, as and when the opportunity arises in terms of both funding and powers, we can realise the benefits of tram-train as soon as possible.
“This very useful report from Stockport council will feed into our future plans and inform our ongoing engagement with Rail North.”
For more information on the Stockport Rail Strategy, visit www.stockport.gov.uk/railstrategy
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