Train change is backward
I AM writing in hope that a small but significant decision does not go unnoticed.
I am also campaigning directly with affected businesses via social media but please give this your attention.
The trans-pennine route is the vital connection between Manchester and Leeds.
The changes from 20th May by TP Express have (under the radar?) shifted the fast trains to Victoria to under 50mins, increasing PiccLeeds journey times to over an hour, with a dozen stops.
Do the leaders of Manchester and Leeds anticipate this, a service that takes over 1 hour and a dozen minor stops?
Piccadilly is undoubtedly the key station and gateway into central Manchester, whether business, commuting, leisure and shopping, or making connections to other mainline services and the airport.
Victoria is a fine station but a provincial one and less equipped.
The changes promoted by TPE do not draw attention to this as a deliberate decision.
In my personal experience, the shift away from Piccadilly as the mainline option carries two major costs which may go uncounted: Business cost - the time adds friction to ‘trans-pennine’ investment and recruitment, for instance attracting the best staff from either region who are willing to commute, or opening a satellite office with crossover of roles and responsibilities. I have worked at two companies where this has had a tangible effect and can outline in more detail.
Prestige - considering the vast improvements in Piccadilly’s surrounding area as a hub for business, retail and leisure, and the wider ethos of the Northern Powerhouse aspirations, why now should the natural choice be for travellers to be routed to Victoria?
There will always be winners and losers with timetable changes but this is a more symbolic change.
A quick fix to commuter services might address some of the business concerns but the wider discussion should be had, and address whether TPE changes are self serving or meet the wider civic needs. Liam Greene, Chorlton