APPENDIX D

TRANS-PENNINE RAIL UPGRADE

TransPennine Rail Group

The TransPennine Rail Group is a broadly based group of County Councils, Unitary Authorities, Passenger Transport Executives (PTE) and the Peak District National Park Authority plus representation from the rail industry.

The core aims of the Group are to:

• improve economic performance
• improve rail performance
• strengthen TransPennine links
• create an attractive alternative to the private car

Previous studies

The Group sponsored two studies between 1990 and 1996. The final study reported in 1996 and allowed the forming of a TransPennine rail strategy. The Group believe that in view of the 15/20 year life of the new franchises being progressed, the strategy and proposals included in the TransPennine Rail strategy should be reviewed and expanded. Representations have been made to the sSRA in respect of the new TransPennine Express franchise as Trans-Pennine upgrading might be sponsored by the preferred bidder.

Proposals

Infrastructure: on the northern route consideration needs to given to separate facilities for the fast inter-regional services and the slower local services. Reinstatement of additional tracks may be required and should be considered. In the south, improved rail links from South Yorkshire to Manchester/North West are expected. Capacity improvements are also possible and desirable.

In terms of passenger services: on the northern route SPITS would like to see enhanced express services with stops in the SPITS area and enhanced local services. On the southern route SPITS would like to see an undertaking to increase the service frequency and serious consideration to increasing the accessibility of express services by stops in key residential areas. However, It is understood that the bidders for the franchise were taking their own view of what service upgrades might be offered in consultation with Railtrack and the sSRA.

Examination of the potential, feasibility and economics of re-opening the Woodhead line for TransPennine traffic (See Appendix G)

Examination of the potential, feasibility and economics of a West Yorkshire to Tameside, Stockport and Potteries service.

Further Studies

Two areas for further studies have been identified:

• Detailed feasibility work on the engineering solutions and costs to clear the structures currently foul to high gauge traffic. Currently, the sSRA is undertaking study work for gauge enhancement on all national routes. Local studies may be necessary to raise the Trans Pennine routes up the sSRAs priority list.
• Market demand study into the opportunities for modal shift as a result of providing W10w or W11 clearance to upgrade the freight capacity.

External funding and Development Initiatives

There are opportunities for partnership working in various areas with PTEs, local authorities, Railtrack, development companies and the National Park Authority. They can lever external resources and grant combined with capital contributions from local authorities and PTEs.