Manchester's rail problem

The May 2018 timetable exposed a variety of failings in UK rail, but many related to preparedness for the change which, over time, have been resolved. In Manchester, the problems are deep-rooted, including misalignment between service specification and infrastructure change. The result has been ongoing poor performance, risking long-term impacts on the economy. Solutions are complicated by the number of operators involved and their extensive networks. Services from Glasgow, Newcastle and Norwich all operate through the Castlefield Corridor in central Manchester, declared ‘congested infrastructure’ by Network Rail in 2019.

Dealing with this complexity requires fresh thinking. The problems of Manchester are not any individual organisation’s fault, nor are the solutions in the hands of a single organisation. There is a large constituency of stakeholders right across the North of England, not to mention hundreds of thousands of passengers, all of whom demand a better performing railway with more capacity to support the economy. There is a recognition that difficult short-term solutions might be required.

Supported by Steer, the Manchester Recovery Task Force was established in January 2020, reporting to Network Rail, DfT and a Board comprising specifiers, stakeholders and operators. The Task Force is assessing solutions for the short-term as well as developing a long-term vision. Rail is crucial to the health of the economy in Manchester and across the North of England. Investment to deliver a high performing, high capacity, high-quality network is promised by HS2 and NPR but is also a priority now.