Rail group calls for more trains

Date published: 22 August 2014


RAIL-USERS have given their own ideas on how transport bosses can improve services at Oldham’s last remaining train station in Greenfield.

Greenfield Rail Action Group’s proposals cover the service between Huddersfield and Manchester - where official plans show a reduction in the service but an increase in prices.

Five operators have been shortlisted to run the next franchises on the routes from October 2015.

GRAG opposes any cuts and rises - and reminds operators that in the past decade Greenfield Station has doubled its passenger numbers to over 300,000 a year despite having a once-an-hour off-peak service. Passenger demand continues to increase, especially to Manchester.

GRAG wants trains with more carriages and a more frequent service, to meet demand. Passengers should also be able to buy their tickets at all unstaffed stations on the line - some currently don’t pay because there is nowhere to buy a ticket.

GRAG also wants better Greenfield disabled access - and has maade itclear its preferred destination is Manchester Victoria rather than Piccadilly.

Campaigner Richard Knowles said: “We are disappointed that the emphasis is on service reductions and fare increases, when the need on this line is to double the frequency of local train services and keep fare increase in line with inflation to benefit the economy.”