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Stephen Farrow · September 17th 04, 03:20 AM posted to uk.transport.london

David Jackman wrote:

(Neil Williams) wrote in
:

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 19:02:01 +0100, Cheeky wrote:

GMPTE are miffed because their entire public transport strategy
appears to be built around Metrolink to the detriment of everything
else (IMHO). snip

I'd agree with that. The main reason, as I see it, is that Metrolink
(and, for that matter, the majority of the shoddy bus service) does
not require an ongoing operational subsidy, while the regular local
heavy rail operation does.

IMO, the best solution for the Oldham Loop, for example, is not trams,
but 25kV overhead line and new, high-acceleration heavy rail EMUs to
form a German-style S-Bahn. The trams have their place, but it is not
in taking over a perfectly good heavy rail system, increasing fares
and slowing journeys. It is also not (in the case of Eccles) in
operating routes that are substantially faster by bus!

The comparison with the far more professional, heavy-rail-friendly and
pro-integrated-transport PTE Merseytravel just 30-odd miles down the
M62 could not be more marked.

Neil

Isn't the difference that Liverpool Central is actually in the centre (as
is Lime Street, just about) which can't really be said for either
Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly (or Oldham Mumps/Werneth for that
matter)?

Metrolink actually takes people to where they want to go - it would
transform useage of the Oldham Loop in a way no heavy rail solution ever
could.

Exactly. Metrolink on the Oldham Loop would bring huge benefits to Oldham town centre, Westwood and
Butler Green (though, yes, it would increase journey times north of Shaw).

If Metrolink doesn't come to Oldham, it will be a huge blow for the borough's efforts at
regeneration. It's a very, very depressed place with a hell of a lot of problems, and Metrolink is
one of the main tools they've been using to try and attract badly-needed investment and industry to
the town.

--
Stephen

I know I'll miss the intellectual thrill of spelling out words with my arms.