27.02.09
New airport link for Salford Crescent
People in Salford will soon be able to make new early morning trips to Manchester Airport by train, thanks to a change in the rail timetable.
Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has welcomed news that, from May 18, the First TransPennine Express Blackpool to Manchester Airport service will call at Salford Crescent at 5.55am, Monday to Saturday, arriving at the airport at 6.18am.
At the moment, the earliest train to the airport departs from Salford Crescent at 6.47am.
Councillor Ian Macdonald, Chair of GMITA’s Transport Network Committee and spokesperson for Salford, said: “Good transport links with the airport are vital as they make job and travel opportunities more accessible to more people, so I’m pleased First TransPennine Express has been able to introduce a new stop on this service for Salford.
“We need to make sure that people have the choice to make essential journeys by public transport. A small change to the timetable like this can actually make a real difference for shift workers, commuters and holidaymakers alike.”
David Langton, Timetable Strategy Manager for First TransPennine Express, said: “We are happy to make small changes to our timetables to give big improvements wherever this is possible.
“This change is a big boost for passengers wanting to get on at Salford Crescent to use this early morning service.”
The news comes as transport bosses, train operators and Network Rail discuss proposals for the new winter 2009 timetable.
GMITA has already put forward its recommendations for improved local services during the current review. Network Rail, together with the various train operating companies, will announce the new timetable later this year before it is introduced on 13 December.
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