"Overcrowding on Greater Manchester's trains could get worse if Department of Transport (DFT) rules lead to five trains, currently used between Oldham and Manchester, being mothballed next month," says Cllr Keith Whitmore - the first-ever Liberal Democrat Chairman of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA).
Cllr Whitmore said:
"Due to Transport Authority activities in Greater Manchester, we will next month begin conversion of a train line from Oldham to Manchester to carry Trams. When this happens, five trains will become available. We believe that the DFT's super profits, raised from North West rail companies, should be used to allow those five trains to continue operating in Greater Manchester, where they will be invaluable in relieving some of the chronic overcrowding we experience."
"The DFT has refused to make any funding available and have instead decided that these trains will be put into cold storage, very likely never to see the light of day again in our area. This is frankly scandalous."
Cllr Keith Whitmore wants the Government to back his call for revenue raised from North West train companies to be ploughed into keeping these trains on the track in the Greater Manchester area.
End
Councillor Keith Whitmore is Chairman of Greater Manchester's Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA).
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