Research is to be carried out into possible improvement works on the north west’s Mid-Cheshire line.
The route, which runs from Manchester to Stockport and Chester, has seen passenger numbers rise by 66 per cent between 1998 and 2010.
To ensure the line can cope with current levels of growth, a study will be carried out between now and April to look at journey times, timetable improvements, stations and stops, and infrastructure.
The study is being carried out by JMP Consultants, with funding for the project provided by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council.
A £500m seven-year project to improve rail services and infrastructure in the north of England, the Northern Hub, is set for completion in 2018.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM committee, said: “The Mid-Cheshire line is a key commuter rail route in the north west, with passenger numbers growing year, on year as the statistics show.
“It is therefore very important that services meet passengers’ needs and support economic growth along the corridor between Manchester and Chester.”
