The Anonymous Widower

Manchester Buzzing To Put Rail Into Its Bee Network

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Railway Gazette.

These two paragraphs introduce the article.

Locally branded stations and integrated ticketing are among the improvements to Greater Manchester’s local rail services envisaged from 2025 under a landmark devolution deal.

The deal agreed with the government on March 15 brings GM Mayor Andy Burnham and local council leaders significant additional powers in several policy areas, including transport. The single funding settlement is similar to those in place covering Scotland and Wales, but this and a similar deal for the West Midlands is the first time such a flexible grant has been granted to English regions.

Included in the deal are the following.

A London-Style Network

It is described in this paragraph.

Greater Manchester has set itself a target of rolling out so-called ‘London style’ transport across modes by 2030. While Transport for Greater Manchester already directly manages the Metrolink light rail network, buses are now being brought under tighter regulation through a franchising model, and TfGM aspires to introduce integrated smart ticketing across the city-region. Today, while paper travelcards can be bought covering buses, Metrolink trams and trains, these are poorly marketed and often more expensive than the fares offered by individual bus operators; there is also no ability for daily or weekly price capping to be introduced.

I hope that Manchester follows London’s rules.

• One card and any bank or credit card gives full access to buses, trains and trams.
• Daily, weekly and monthly caps.
• Freedom Pass or equivalent for those that need them.
• Comprehensive transport mapping.
• Visitor-oriented travel information offices in major stations.

I feel very strongly about the last two, as measures like these encourage visitors to return.

Trials of the ticketing should start by the end of the year.

The Bee Network

This is outlined in this sentence.

Together, the local transport network is to be branded ‘the Bee Network’, reflecting an enduring emblem of the area’s industrial heritage.

I like the name.

• The bee is one of the symbols of the city according to this Wikipedia entry.
• Bees are on the coat of arms of the City of Manchester.
• Bee symbols are used by Manchester and local businesses.

But perhaps most importantly, the bees were a symbol of recovery of the city after the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

The Addition Of Twenty Percent Of the Local Rail Network

This is outlined in this sentence.

Under the agreement announced on March 15, around 20% of local rail services, currently operated by Northern Trains and managed under contract with the Department for Transport, will be brought into the Bee Network.

These rail services are to be added.

• Wigan – Manchester Victoria via the West Coast Main Line and a proposed station at Golborne, which could open from 2025.
• Stalybridge – Southport via Atherton
• Glossop – Hadfield – Manchester Piccadilly
• Rose Hill Marple – Manchester Piccadilly
• Buxton – Manchester Piccadilly
• Alderley Edge – Manchester Piccadilly

I shall discuss each route in detail separately.

New Trains?

Consider.

• The Wigan and Alderley Edge routes are shared with 125 mph trains.
• The diesel trains on the Buxton and Rose Hill Marple routes will need to be replaced.
• The Buxton route is a very stiff climb.
• Do the Class 323 trains to Glossop and Hadfield need to be replaced?
• The Buxton, Southport and Rose Hill Marple routes are not fully-electrified.

I would have two separate fleets.

A small number of 110 mph electric trains for the Wigan and Alderley Edge routes. Class 350, 360, 379 and 386 trains would be possibilities.

An appropriate number of electric for the other routes. Some would have a battery capability to handle the partially-electrified routes. Merseyrail’s Class 777 could be ideal.

Note.

I am fairly certain, that the Class 777 trains can run as tram-trains, which would be useful for Manchester.

A rough calculation indicates that the ideal battery sizes for Southport and Buxton, could be similar.

The battery for the Rose Hill Marple route would be smaller.

There could be advantages if Merseyrail and Manchester had similar high quality trains.

Integration Of The Various Modes Of Transport

This is outlined in this paragraph.

Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is to establish a North West Regional Business Unit and GM Rail Board to improve local scrutiny of rail service performance and shape the integration with other modes in the Bee Network.

This is critical to the successful development of the Bee Network.

Conclusion

It’s now up to Manchester to first make it work and then develop it for the benefit of the people and businesses of the City, and not forgetting the visitors.

 

 

 

Integration Of The Various Modes Of Transport

This is outlined in this paragraph.

Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is to establish a North West Regional Business Unit and GM Rail Board to improve local scrutiny of rail service performance and shape the integration with other modes in the Bee Network.

This is critical to the successful development of the Bee Network.

 

 

March 27, 2023 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Bee Network, Class 777 Train, Manchester, Manchester Metrolink, Merseyrail, Tourism, Transport for Greater Manchester