TfGM Unveils 2050 Rail Network Transformation Plan

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has outlined a new framework that aims to transform its rail system over the course of the next thirty years.

The new plan, entitled ‘On the Right Track for Growth: A 2050 Vision for the Future of Rail in Greater Manchester’, sets out a roadmap to improve, grow and transform Greater Manchester’s rail network, and was unveiled by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham during his address at the Public Transport in the North of England conference in central Manchester.

Developed in collaboration with a number of rail partners; the plan intends to double passenger numbers and support 75,000 new homes within the region by 2050.

Covering more than 318km across 96 stations, TfGM has stated that its current system faces a wide array of challenges in the way of limited local influence and accountability, many inaccessible stations, crowded services, and issues with reliability.

The new vision seeks to address those issues in order to offer customers a more responsive, inclusive and dependable network, supporting ambitions first set out as part of the Greater Manchester strategy, as well as the delivery of the new 1 billion GBP GM Good Growth Fund.

Next week will see Mayor Burnham join a selection of industry leaders to form a step-by-step plan to deliver benefits for passengers across new services, improved stations and simplified fares.

This Sunday (07 December 2025) will see the city-region become one of the first areas in the UK to receive a simplified fare system.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

Greater Manchester’s rail network plays a vital role in supporting our communities, powering our economy, and opening doors to opportunity – but for long has been held back from its true potential.

The way projects and services are planned and delivered is changing, with long needed reform giving us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape rail for Greater Manchester.

Simplifying rail fares is a key first step in making train travel easier and more accessible and the key to bringing local rail services into the Bee Network from December 2026.

Greater Manchester has a proud railway heritage, and our Vision, developed with the industry, is about ensuring that everyone in our city-region can benefit from better connections, more reliable services, and a transport network that meets the needs of future generations.

The Greater Manchester Rail Vision plan commits to new trains, new stations including Golborne and Cheadle, step-free access upgrades at half of all stations by 2040, the construction of 75,000 new homes near the rail network and a major transformation of Manchester Piccadilly that will see a new underground station constructed by 2050, allowing for increased capacity and nearly a million square feet of commercial space.

The plan also intends to create a stronger link between intercity services, providing seamless transition between intercity, regional and local rail, Metrolink and bus services through the Bee Network.

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Vernon Everitt, said:

Greater Manchester continues to deliver major improvements to transport to transform how people get around this rapidly growing region. As the first area to successfully bring buses under local control, the foundations have been laid for a fully integrated, safe, reliable, and efficient Bee Network.

Integrating local train services is the next piece in the jigsaw. By bringing our rail services into the Bee Network from December 2026, we’re working with partners in the rail industry to deliver immediate benefits to customers and set a long-term plan to create a truly world-class, integrated public transport system.