Transport scheme linking Stockport to Manchester Airport gets major boost

Plans to build a rapid transit bus scheme connecting Stockport with Manchester Airport have taken a major step forward.

Funding to further develop the proposals has been secured from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Stockport Council, Cheshire East Council, Manchester City Council, Manchester Airport Group, Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have a shared vision to create a new fast and frequent rapid bus service for residents and businesses between their homes and key employment locations.

The proposed service would use current and new links to provide a reliable alternative to car travel for commuters, help reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Within the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund funds to support the delivery of major transport projects that tackle key challenges are available.

Stockport Council and its partners submitted a joint first stage bid and have been awarded funding and support to develop proposals for the project.

Over the coming months, the council will work with the Government to develop a full business case for the rapid transit service, including all of the benefits for residents and businesses.

This will be submitted to Government this autumn ahead of a decision being made about which of the 44 bidding projects will get funding.

Caroline Simpson, corporate director for place at Stockport Council, said: “The delivery of rapid transit bus in Stockport is just one element of the wider programme of investment in the borough’s transport infrastructure, which is vital to address congestion on our roads, improve local air quality, and strengthen Stockport’s position as a great place to live, work and invest.

“This announcement by the Government is good news, and we will continue to work closely with our neighbours in Cheshire East and Manchester to push forward with the proposals.”

Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said “The proposals have the potential to deliver public transport improvements in the north of the borough, especially in the Wilmslow/Handforth area and our links to the airport.

“We will look to make sure that new developments, such as the garden village at Handforth will be integrated into these proposals, maximising the opportunities for sustainable travel.”