East Lancs Metrolink study given go-ahead (From Bury Times)

East Lancs Metrolink study given go-ahead

7:00am Monday 15th June 2009 in Search Module

PLANS to run commuter trains on the East Lancashire Railway have been taken a step forward by transport bosses.

Members of Greater Manchester’s Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) have called for a study into the financial implications of new links between Ramsbottom, Bury and Heywood.

The study will identify the best options and the costs, which could be up to £30 million.

In May, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) created the Greater Manchester Transport Fund to pay for 15 major transport schemes.

The fund amounts to £1.54 billion for developments including Metrolink tram extensions, better bus services, park-and-ride schemes and various infrastructure improvements.

AGMA also identified a further four schemes as priorities, including developing the East Lancashire Railway. One of the main proposals is for passengers to travel on the ELR line from Rawtenstall to Bury, and link up with the Metrolink line through to Manchester’s Victoria Station.

Mr Mark Sanders, chief executive of Bury Council, said: “This is a fabulous project that will mean a great deal for Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale. We need to work at it, with a view of delivering a new commuter link for people wanting to work in Manchester and live in Bury.”

Cllr Keith Whitmore, GMITA vice chairman, said: “We are committed to improving transport in the east Lancashire and west Rochdale areas, but need to give careful consideration to exactly how we go about doing that. That is where the study comes in.

“But one thing is very clear — we recognise the importance of preserving the heritage of the East Lancashire Railway and will be meeting with officials from the railway soon to discuss all these issues.”