Letter to Transport for Greater Manchester responding to the 2050 Transport Strategy

Dear Sir or Madam,

Re: Northfold Growth Corridor and the case for Metrolink or tram-train services to Bolton

I am writing in response to the Draft Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050 to urge Transport for Greater Manchester to give serious and early consideration to the extension of Metrolink or tram-train services to Bolton as part of the Northfold Growth Corridor.

The draft strategy rightly identifies Northfold, encompassing Wigan and Bolton, as a priority growth location with the potential to deliver around 20,000 new jobs and 9,000 new homes. It also explicitly recognises that, in the longer term, the area has the potential to benefit from tram-train services along the Atherton Line. I strongly welcome this recognition and believe it should be developed into a clear strategic commitment as the strategy and delivery plan are finalised.

For communities across Bolton South and Walkden, including Bolton, Little Hulton and Farnworth, improved rapid transit connectivity is not a theoretical aspiration but a practical necessity. These communities experience persistent challenges linked to congestion, air quality, access to employment and transport-related social exclusion. High quality, reliable and integrated public transport is essential if growth in the Northfold corridor is to be inclusive, sustainable and genuinely beneficial to local residents. A Metrolink spur line from the Atherton Line into Bolton Town Centre would benefit residents across Greater Manchester, especially residents in Bolton South and Walkden, connecting transport hubs like Walkden Station and Bolton Town Centre with employment zones such as Royal Bolton Hospital.

A Metrolink or tram-train connection to Bolton would directly support several of the strategy’s core objectives:

• It would help deliver Good Growth, ensuring new homes and jobs are supported by sustainable transport options rather than increased car dependency.
• It would strengthen east to west connectivity across Northfold, improving access to employment, education and training opportunities across Greater Manchester.
• It would contribute to the Right Mix target, supporting the ambition for 50 per cent of journeys to be made by public transport or active travel by 2040.
• It would align with the development of the Bee Network, enabling seamless interchange between rail, tram, bus and active travel, particularly at key hubs such as Bolton town centre and Farnworth.
• It would support Greater Manchester’s commitments on carbon neutrality, air quality and public health, particularly in communities that already experience poorer outcomes.

Bolton town centre is undergoing significant regeneration, with major housing, commercial and leisure developments planned or underway. Without a step change in public transport connectivity, there is a real risk that these ambitions will be undermined by congestion and limited accessibility. Tram-train or Metrolink services would act as a catalyst for regeneration, supporting higher density, well connected development and helping to attract investment and skilled employment.

I therefore urge TfGM to ensure that proposals for Metrolink or tram-train services to Bolton are embedded clearly within the final Transport Strategy and reflected in the forthcoming Transport Delivery Plan and Integrated Pipeline for Growth. This should include early feasibility work, safeguarding of corridors and active collaboration with Bolton Council, neighbouring authorities and local communities.

The Northfold Growth Corridor must not be left behind as Greater Manchester expands its rapid transit network. Investment in tram-train or Metrolink connectivity to Bolton would be transformative for my constituents and fully consistent with the vision set out in the draft strategy for a fairer, greener and better connected city region.

I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure Bolton South and Walkden play a full part in Greater Manchester’s transport future.

Yours sincerely,

Yasmin Qureshi
Member of Parliament for Bolton South and Walkden