The Scrutiny Review Panel - Opportunities for Rail and Light Rail across Stockport met to establish its purpose, scope, and future working methods. The panel elected Councillor Rachel Wise as its Chair and agreed to include Councillor Jeremy Meal as a member. The primary focus of the review will be to identify opportunities for enhancing rail and light rail connectivity within Stockport, with a view to making recommendations to the relevant Cabinet Member.

Purpose and Scope of the Scrutiny Review

The panel agreed that the review would proceed on the assumption that the Metrolink tram network will be extended to Stockport. The focus will be on identifying future opportunities that the council can influence through Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), central government, and other partners. The review will aim to make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Transport.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Utilising Existing Infrastructure: Members highlighted the potential for making better use of existing rail lines within the borough, including underused and infrequently served routes. The possibility of using tram-train technology to more effectively utilise existing rail corridors was also considered.
• Intra-Borough Connectivity: A significant emphasis was placed on improving connections between communities within Stockport, rather than solely focusing on access to Manchester city centre. While many stations offer direct services to Manchester Piccadilly, fewer locations are directly connected to Stockport Town Centre. The review will explore how rail and light rail investment can strengthen these intra-borough connections, supporting access to employment, education, and services.
• Tram-Train Viability: The panel expressed interest in understanding the practical and financial viability of tram-train schemes, drawing lessons from similar projects in the UK and Europe to assess their applicability in Stockport.
• Transport, Regeneration, and Development: The relationship between transport investment, regeneration, and future development was discussed. Members noted the potential for improved public transport to support housing growth, reduce inequalities between communities, and encourage sustainable travel. The impact of future development proposals, identified through strategic planning, was highlighted as an important consideration.
• Station Facilities and Passenger Experience: The panel discussed the importance of station upgrades, accessibility, parking provision, park and ride facilities, and the effective integration of rail, light rail, bus, and active travel networks. Future transport schemes must align with the accessibility objectives of the Bee Network.
• Wider Regional and National Context: Members acknowledged the need to understand wider regional and national developments, such as the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050, proposals for Great British Railways, future investment programmes, and changes to freight and passenger rail operations, to identify realistic opportunities for influence and investment.

Evidence and Information Requirements

To inform the review, members requested information on:

• Existing rail and light rail networks serving Stockport.
• Station usage levels and service frequencies.
• Accessibility improvements and planned station upgrades.
• Network performance and service reliability.
• Future transport and regeneration proposals affecting Stockport.
• Freight movements and network capacity.
• TfGM priorities and proposals for the borough in the short, medium, and long term.

Stakeholder Engagement and Methodology

Senior representatives from TfGM's Rail and Light Rail Directorates will be invited to participate in future meetings. The review will involve a phased approach, including scope setting, baseline information gathering, stakeholder engagement, and the development of recommendations.

Future Meetings and Timetable

The panel discussed arrangements for future meetings, aiming to conclude the review within the current municipal year. Potential meeting dates in late October and early November were identified, and discussions with TfGM will take place to confirm the next meeting date. The review is expected to involve approximately four to five sessions, potentially including a site visit to a Metrolink depot, although the feasibility of this will be assessed based on time constraints. The final report is anticipated to be presented in early February, with a view to submission to the Cabinet Member shortly thereafter.

Declarations of Interest

Several members declared interests related to their involvement in transport-related groups or employment:

• Councillor Rachel Wise declared an interest as a member of Friends of Reddish South Station.
• Councillor Jeremy Meal declared an interest as a member of the Light Rail Transit Association.
• Councillor Megan Axon declared an interest as a member of Friends of Marple Station.
• Councillor Taya Clarke declared an interest as an employee of Caledonian Rail.