2 weeks Ago
The possibility of trams coming to Bolton remains very much on the table. The Metro Mayor Andy Burnham said that extending the Metrolink was still something that he"would like to do". He said: "It's absolutely on our list of things that we would like to do.
"It probably falls into the category of phase three of the Bee Network, as we look to build out from what we've got." The Bee Network introduced "tap-in, tap-out" travel on Sunday (March 23) which allows easy and cheap contactless travel on both buses and trams. Andy Burnham with TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers (Image: Bee Network) Mr Burnham said that the next phase of the Bee Network will bring rail into the system – which will be good news for Boltonians.
He said: "Rail is coming in and that will be a big benefit to people living in Bolton because you'll be able to tap in at Bolton Rail Station and then come into the city in the Bee Network cap. "It will make rail travel much better value for money than it currently is because then you'll be able to use buses and trams in the city as part of one system. "Or if people get a bus to Bolton Rail Station, you'll be in the cap system, so it will make it all much better value for money.
" Mr Burnham plans to bring eight commuter train lines into the network starting with those from the city centre to Stalybridge and Glossop. Bolton is planned to come into the network by 2028 along with 64 other stations. Under the plan, standards at train stations would be improved with upgraded waiting facilities and improved passenger information.
Cllr Tracey Rawlins, Andy Burnham and Dame Sarah Storey (Image: Bee Network) Have a story? Get in touch at [email protected].
uk A trial of Bee Network branded trains will also run. The plan comes as part of Mr Burnham's project to create a "London-style" public transport system in Greater Manchester. He said: "It's a public transport revolution for the North of England – I know that sounds like a big politician claim, but it is, actually.
READ MORE: Bolton train station shake-up- everything you need to know READ MORE: Bolton railway station 'worst' out of UK's 500 busiest for punctuality READ MORE: Greater Manchester: New five-year environment plan unveiled "That's going to unfold over the next few years, Liverpool will be next and we're going to help them with our experience here. "What I would say to my own Government, is that the North of England has actually done a lot itself here, in terms of we've done it ourselves, largely. "But we really do need their backing to get heavy rail infrastructure sorted out – it's still not where it should be.
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