Andy Burnham is pushing to run Greater Manchester’s railways. This plan aims to create a seamless public transport system for the region.
Manchester: Andy Burnham is on a mission to take over some railways in Greater Manchester. He believes this will improve public transport and make it easier for everyone to get around.
He’s been talking about this for a while, especially during his re-election campaign. Recently, he laid out a detailed plan for integrating the region’s railways into a single system.
The idea is to create a seamless transport network. Passengers will be able to use trams, trains, and buses with just one fare. They’ll use a contactless card to check in and out at stations.
Burnham wants to modernize stations and add new stops in Golborne and Cheadle. The goal is to encourage more people to use public transport instead of driving.
He believes that a better rail system will help the economy grow and support new housing developments. Burnham said, “Greater Manchester deserves better.”
Work on this project is set to start soon. The first phase aims to integrate several railway lines by December 2026. More lines will follow in the coming years.
Initially, eight railway lines will be included, covering 64 stations by 2028. The total cost for this infrastructure is estimated at £114 million, funded by the government.
