North West Route Utilisation Strategy
Response to Network Rail by FRECCLES
Our full response is available here (Microsoft Word format 72Kb).
Here are the key points:
Train service and intermodal change
- We suggest a greatly enhanced service to take full advantage of connections to Metrolink and bus services
- Signage should be improved. It is currently inadequate for bus passengers and non existent for Metrolink passengers
- Through ticketing facilities should be provided
Facilities
- We give details of the facilities which we think should be provided; for example, covered seating, real time departure information, CCTV
- The station forecourt and ticket office are of poor quality and not fit for purpose; they should be upgraded
- Disabled access is currently impossible but could be provided by a ramp off the East end of the platforms. This would greatly shorten the pedestrian route to Hope Hospital and West One retail park
Regional issues
- We support the building of “Chat Moss line” platforms at Salford Central – as suggested in the RUS document
- We propose that the two redundant platforms at Eccles are used to turn round trains coming into Victoria from the East. This would mirror the successful use of Stalybridge to turn round trains coming into Victoria from Liverpool