Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham criticized train services as “embarrassing” and damaging local economies due to cancellations.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has criticised train services, calling them “embarrassing” over a “do not travel” service. Northern put out a notice regarding last-minute cancellations, informing passengers not to utilise trains between Manchester Victoria and Chester, and Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke.
Andy Burnham has called an emergency session with the Rail North Committee to examine the disruption. In a post on X, he stated: “Do Not Travel” notices between UK cities are embarrassing. Transport is critical to growth and right now Northern is damaging local economies across the North.”
How does the North’s rail network operate?
The North has an effective rail network. It is served by three north-south inter-city lines, by the critical cross-country and trans-Pennine corridors, and there are almost 600 stations – a fifth of the national capacity. Passenger services are delivered by ten different franchises and two open-access operators, for a mix of local, regional and national trips. Over half the rail freight on the national network travels to, from or through the North.
The rail network in the North has many potencies. Investment supported by local transport authorities, and other groups, has helped a rail renaissance in many areas with annual increase rates outstripping growth in London and the South East. Connectivity to London from the North’s larger municipalities is generally good, with a few exceptions. Rail provides an effective social role, connecting people to employment, community facilities, leisure opportunities and education.
Despite these powers, rail in the North is under-performing compared with networks elsewhere. Drawbacks include poor connectivity between some of the North’s urban centres and to other main cities in the country, with journey times that are not always competitive with travel by road.