Northern (Arriva Rail North)

[knutstransport]

RE: Northern (Arriva Rail North)

(30/05/2017 19:02)Dentonian Wrote:  Is there any info on peak enhancements and/or unit allocation? Also, how flexible are the plans in case of developments like competing bus services being reduced?

I think any additional new peak time enhancements in to Piccadilly other than more consistent timing and longer trains are unlikely due to a lack of paths. The additional Mid-Cheshire, Buxton line and Macclesfield services will take up the paths freed up by the opening of the Ordsall Chord, as per the franchise agreement.

The plans have been sent to 'stakeholders' which include PTEs, local councils and RUGs so they can feed back on them. It seems the plan is to have an hourly service from Styal which will help Cheshire East council argue that the 200 service isn't required. I imagine if Manchester Airport and National Trust worked with TfGM they could get the 288 to extend to Quarry Bank Mill via the Viewing Park (both MAG and NT provide funding for the 200 currently.) Once the plans have been finalised it won't be possible to make major changes if local authorities decide to withdraw bus services, until a subsequent recast (likely December 2019.)