Transport boss pushes for extra rail services

Rochdale's transport boss Councillor Zulf Ali has spoken out after Greater Manchester Transport Authority revealed that it was looking at providing an additional three-car TransPennine Express all Day service between Manchester and Leeds, which would not be making scheduled stops at either Littleborough or Smithybridge stations.

Councillor Ali expressed his concerns regarding the proposals at last week's Greater Manchester Transport Authority meeting. The GMPTA have confirmed they will now look into the possibility of extra stoppages at Littleborough and Smithybridge.

Councillor Ali said: "An additional all day service between Manchester and Leeds is of course to be welcomed, so long as it is not at the expense of route performance or improved journey times.

"However, I was very concerned when I discovered that the proposals excluded scheduled stops at both Littleborough and Smithybridge train stations. I want to see the benefits being shared amongst as many Rochdale commuters as possible and I have now asked the GMPTA to look into the possibility of including both stations to the new route."

Littleborough Councillor Pauline Maguire has shown her full support saying: "I am grateful that Councillor Ali is fighting for a better service in Littleborough. I will continue to work closely with him on local transport issues."

Councillor Zulf Ali also welcomed the announcement of a proposed increase in services for Rochdale of six peak-hour trains running from Manchester to Todmorden.

The timetable is set to be introduced by Northern, the company that runs the Manchester-Rochdale-Leeds service, on Sunday 14 December.

Councillor Ali said: "One of my priorities since taking the job in May is to improve the flow of trains we get here in Rochdale and I welcome this significant investment that will bring extra services for our Borough."