Call for FOUR fast trains an hour between Sheffield and Manchester
The Government finally gave the go-ahead this month for a long awaited upgrade to the Hope Valley line, paving the way for three fast trains an hour between the two cities.
But Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts believes this work would make a fourth express service possible, dramatically transforming connections.
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Hide Ad"The idea initially was for a new line between Sheffield and Manchester. If what we're having to settle for is an improvement to the Hope Valley line, we have to push for the best improvement possible," he said.
"There's also the challenge of getting the extra trains in and out of Sheffield station. We have to keep the pressure on for a capacity upgrade at the station."
Mr Betts made the comments after quizzing transport minister Jo Johnson this week about whether the Government had assessed the potential financial merits of adding more fast trains.
Mr Johnson responded that the Department for Transport had done so, but that this assessment would need to be refreshed as part of 'further work' on this scheme'.
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Hide AdHis decision was widely welcomed by transport groups in Sheffield, who have long been pushing for improvements to be made.
But Sheffield Chamber of Commerce sounded a note of caution, warning that Sheffield could yet miss out on any benefit if a new hourly service from Leicester to Manchester via that line is instead provided.
Network Rail hopes to begin the upgrade next year and says the improvements could take up to three years to complete. Once the work is complete, it added, any service changes will be a matter for the train operators.