Transport expert backs airport link
Date published: 29 October 2008
A CAMPAIGN to introduce a regular train service from Greenfield to Manchester Airport is being backed by a local transport expert.
The 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association is urging a new service to help local business people and holidaymakers who face frustrating journeys to make flights.
And with a £300,000 upgrade of Greenfield station nearing completion, the association believe travellers should have an added rail facility.
Mike Rooke, GGRA secretary, said: “Some 80 per cent of Saddleworth residents who travel to the airport on business or holidays make the journey by car because there is no proper rail link.”
Councillor Richard Knowles, Liberal-Democrat group leader on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: “The current Northern Rail local train franchise linking Greenfield to Stalybridge and Manchester Victoria as well as Huddersfield has four more years to run and can’t be changed to serve a different route.
“However, in the meantime, there is a very strong case for the existing First TransPennine Express trains from Yorkshire to Manchester Airport to stop at Stalybridge and provide a regular same-platform service for Saddleworth passengers wanting to travel from Greenfield by train to, and from, the airport.”
A spokeswoman for First TransPennine Express said six trains a day stopped at Stalybridge to collect airport-bound passengers. “This is a very busy line and stopping at Greenfield could impact on capacity,” she added.
“But we are always willing to consider commuters’ views for the future.”
