Transport
The development of a more efficient and functional network is critical for supporting economic development within east Manchester and ensuring that a range of transport options are accessible and attractive to local residents.
The key actions proposed outline how east Manchester will contribute to national, regional and City-wide initiatives to manage congestion, reduce car dependence and promote sustainable transport. These actions include both improved physical infrastructure as well as a significant increase in support services as well as the promotion of attractive, cost-effective alternatives to the private car.
Maximise Access to the Extension of the Metrolink System
Extension of the Metrolink network will enhance east Manchester’s connectivity with the rest of Greater Manchester, offering increased potential for east Manchester residents to access jobs within the region and improving the attractiveness of the area for new employment-generating uses. The opportunities presented by Metrolink will be maximised through a series of actions to promote access to, and use of, the network. Such initiatives include the introduction of a land use strategy that promotes higher-density development and the establishment of a convenient and attractive mix of retail uses and community services around Metrolink stations and the encouragement of safe and efficient pedestrian and cycle linkages to Metrolink stops.
Promote Further Extension of Manchester Metrolink
As efforts to reduce traffic congestion and promote alternatives to the private car increase, Metrolink will take on an even greater role in developing a comprehensive transport network that links residential neighbourhoods and employment opportunities throughout the region.
The completion of the Droylsden/Ashton-Under-Lyne extension is strongly supported and encouraged. Support will also be given to inputting into any future feasibility work around the potential to extend the Metrolink network from Piccadilly to Marple, in view of the potential for such a scheme to contribute to regeneration in and around Gorton.
Each new Metrolink station should be designed to maximise pedestrian access from surrounding neighbourhoods and be used to support higher densities of mixed use development, immediately adjacent.
Significant Improvements to the Cycling and Trail Network
Walking and cycling will be promoted by improving connections, trails, and the establishment of a safe and accessible pedestrian network, prioritised in new neighbourhood plans and through improvements to the overall park and open space network.
Improved Bus Services
Improvements to bus services within east Manchester will be promoted. Ashton Old Road will be prioritised as a quality bus corridor. Improvements to the bus network will be coordinated with Metrolink improvements to ensure that an integrated public transport system is provided and that rail and bus options complement, rather than compete with, one another.
Supportive Services to Encourage Smarter Choices
A key objective of the Transport Framework is to encourage smarter choices for transport within east Manchester. In addition to the provision of improved public transport connectivity and walking and cycling routes, a shift in behaviour and attitudes requires personal support and easily accessible information about the range of available transport alternatives. Initiatives to support smarter choices will include:
• The introduction of real-time passenger information for buses and Metrolink, and the promotion of initiatives to promote passenger safety and security;
• Individualised Travel Marketing (ITM), which will promote cost-effective and efficient alternatives to the private car by providing advice at the household level. Throughout the UK, the most successful ITM programmes have been successful at achieving at least a 10% reduction in car use and shift to other modes of transport;
• Residential Travel Plans as a requirement for all new housing developments. Such plans will include ITM and other proposals specific to broader residential areas and will help to market the range of transport options available within East Manchester;
• Workplace Travel Plans, which will support local employers and economic activity by promoting cost-efficient alternatives to car use, provide travel advice and encourage employers to invest in site-specific improvements related to sustainable travel e.g. cycle parking. Workplace Travel Plans will build on existing programmes to engage with employers in the East Manchester area;
• School Travel Plans, which will build on and expand existing programmes within local schools, with the goal of maintaining overall levels of walking to school and significantly improving cycling levels. To help make cycling a popular choice for students, cycling-related training, clubs, policies, incentives, events and the introduction of bicycle storage will be promoted within schools;
• Further and Higher Education Travel Plans, with a specific focus on One Central Park. Programmes may include parking management strategies, online journey planning service, and the introduction of best practices from the Higher Education Zone and other similar areas around the country;
• The establishment of a formal travel plan that comprehensively addresses the demand associated with the numerous attractions and facilities provided at, and planned for, the Sportcity site. This plan should build on the existing Manchester City Football Club travel plan;
• The introduction of a car club to provide car-share services. This may be an expansion of the existing car club within the City, or a new service. The possibility of establishing car club stations should be explored as plans to redevelop each new large site within East Manchester are established.
Key Junction Improvements
The improvement of key junctions remains a priority within east Manchester and is critical for ensuring that the road network can support expanding economic development within the area, as well as connectivity to the rest of the region.
The junctions with the most significant challenges will each require intervention, and the intersection of Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way will be an early priority. Junction improvements will help to improve the overall safety and efficiency of the transport network.