Rochdale to pilot joint rail and Metrolink ticket scheme to boost town centre

Passengers arriving at Rochdale train station will soon be able to use their rail ticket to travel into the town centre by tram – at no extra charge.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has given the green light for a pilot ‘integrated ticketing offer’ to make the heart of Rochdale a more attractive place to live or visit.

Rail users would be able to use their ticket on the Metrolink, allowing them to travel from the station to Smith Street – where the new Riverside development is being built.

A new shopping centre and cinema are due to open there next Easter, while phase two of the project will see work begin on more than 200 apartments begin soon after.

Mr Burnham believes it is important to support town centre living – intended to revive the high street and reduce building on green belt – by improving public transport.

“It’s quite a serious point. If you are going to support town centre living, it’s these kinds of issues that can make a difference,” he told a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

“I can confirm we will launch a pilot to see what effect it has on the wider system – there is a concern about precedent and who else (might want a similar scheme) and how affordable that might be.

“There is an issue here about supporting what’s happening in Rochdale town centre and getting a public transport offer to back it.”

Rochdale council leader Allen Brett had called for a similar system to that which allows rail passengers arriving at Victoria or Piccadilly to cross the city centre on Metrolink using the same ticket.

He welcomed Mr Burnham’s indication that he is keen to see a similar arrangement in Rochdale.

“It would mean it would cut out an anomaly but also mean more connectivity between the town centre and the railway station.

“It would make it a seamless journey and also save people money.”

The pilot will be put in place subject to a proposal being approved by the combined authority in due course.

Councillor Brett said the council may have to draw this up with Transport for Greater Manchester but hoped it would be ready for sign off ‘as soon as possible in the new year’.

The council leader also called for double carriages on trams due to the number of people who are unable to sit for the duration of their journeys.

The meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority was held at Rochdale council’s Riverside offices.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter