Exciting changes are on the horizon for Manchester Airport. These improvements aim to make travel easier and greener for millions of passengers each year.
Manchester: Big changes are coming to Manchester Airport. Transport leaders want to help passengers travel without relying on cars.
Recently, there were concerns about the number of cars dropping off and picking up passengers. Even though the airport has a rail, bus, and tram station, most folks still drive there.
Lisa Smart, the MP for Hazel Grove, mentioned that 30 million people use the airport yearly. Shockingly, 84% of trips to and from the airport are by car.
She pointed out that the airport’s carbon footprint isn’t just from flights. A lot comes from road travel too.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) sees improving access to the airport as crucial. They want to make it easier for everyone to travel around the region using the Bee Network.
This network aims to bring eight railway lines and 64 stations under local control. They plan to roll this out in three phases.
By December 2027, phase two will introduce tap-in, tap-out ticketing for services connecting Manchester Piccadilly to the airport and other areas.
They also plan to create a flagship station at the airport, making it a major travel hub for Greater Manchester.
Looking ahead, TfGM is considering new tram and tram-train lines. This includes completing the western leg of the Metrolink airport tram line.
They want to connect Wythenshawe Hospital, Medipark, and new housing developments to the airport. This will cut journey times significantly.
There’s even talk of a new railway line connecting Liverpool and Manchester that would serve the airport.
A recent report suggests this scheme could add £7 billion to the economy and create 40,000 jobs by 2050. It could also support building 300,000 new homes.
Danny Vaughan from TfGM emphasized the airport’s importance as a major employer and gateway. He wants to give travelers more sustainable options.
For the first time in 40 years, the airport is now served by locally controlled buses and the UK’s largest light rail network.
Vaughan mentioned that these improvements are part of the next phase of the Bee Network. They plan to work with partners to enhance rail services and explore future Metrolink options.
TfGM is also reviewing how people access the airport using public transport. Mike Kane, the aviation minister, plans to meet with airport operators to discuss these options.
