Rochdale set for direct link to Manchester airport

Rochdale Station

Rochdale is on track for a direct rail link to Manchester airport by summer 2018, following the completion of the Ordsall Chord railway line.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/114686/ordsall-chord-rail-link-opens

The chord, which links Manchester Victoria, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations in the city centre, will introduce a direct rail link between Rochdale and Manchester Airport for the first time, with journeys expected to take just 40 minutes.

As the new line passes through Manchester Piccadilly, it also means Rochdale commuters and travellers will get easier access to places like London, via the national rail network.

The change will boost services from Rochdale to and from Manchester from four to six an hour during the week, with one of the additional two services going direct to Manchester airport and back. Starting at Leeds, it will call in at Bradford, Rochdale, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly and the airport.

A new direct service from Leeds to Chester, via Rochdale, will also launch at the same time, in May 2018.

Some travellers will feel the benefit as early as this month, with the launch of a new service travelling from Rochdale direct to Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate stations.

On Sundays, the number of services between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria will increase from one to three an hour, with one of the three going to and from the airport.

Steve Rumbelow, Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are already the best connected place in Greater Manchester and to have a direct link to a major international airport like Manchester, and a better link to the national rail network, is a massive boost for us and shows that Rochdale is a major player in the region.

“This, combined with our already extensive metrolink network and excellent motorway links, means we are in an even better position to attract business, investment and jobs into our borough for the benefit of all our residents.”