Just what is the train of thought?

OLDHAM’S mayor has challenged Network Rail over “a series of errors” in the Northern hub consultation process.

Councillor Richard Knowles says the consultation brochures and websites focusing on the speed and frequency of intercity journeys, almost completely ignore the important and growing market for local train services.

Network Rail’s Northern Hub website claims to present evidence of the effects of the Northern Hub investment would have on services from every local station.

Omitted

But Councillor Knowles found that Mossley and Greenfield stations are omitted.

He eventually found Greenfield under Cheshire, which he claims undermines confidence in Network Rail’s knowledge of its rail network, while Mossley does not appear anywhere.

He said: “The only comments on the website for the local stations of Marsden and Slaithwaite are that there will be up to six trains an hour to Huddersfield from Manchester to Leeds, which does not benefit either station.

“There is no mention of re-opening the disused single line Stanedge Tunnels, even though it is shown on the Northern Hub map, nor is there any assurance that the existing all-stations trains between Huddersfield and Manchester Victoria will be either retained or increased.

“They are failing to guarantee train paths either for the existing all-stations local service between Huddersfield and Manchester Victoria or for an increase to half-hourly frequency which the huge growth in passengers justifies, especially from Greenfield and Mossley.

He challenged Network Rail to publicly correct the errors, extend the consultation period to allow comment on the corrected material and asked for a public commitment to local services on the network.

Network Rail says that the Northern Hub will drive economic growth for the North and could deliver 20,000 to 30,000 jobs and £4.2bn of wider economic benefits.

A spokesman said: “It will provide the infrastructure to allow more frequent services on many suburban routes around the cities of the North. This better capability can be used to provide an improved service for commuters who will see improved journey times to city centres and more seats.

“Under current plans, services along the Huddersfield-Manchester line could take several forms, from all-station local services to semi-fast services calling at the local stations.

“Contrary to reports, no decisions have been made on which pattern is the optimum — this will be made through the franchising process and will involve consultation with local representatives through the Passenger Transport Executives.

Discussions

“Network Rail are in regular discussions with representatives from the Department for Transport, Metro, Transport for Greater Manchester and Northern Rail, to establish which pattern best suits residents in the area, mindful of increasing capacity, infrastructure capability, commercial demand and improved connectivity.

“We continue to look at all enhancements included in the scope of the Northern Hub as the project develops including opening the Standedge tunnels.”

He added that the company is happy to receive feedback on an ongoing basis on the Northern Hub.