The rail line between Guide Bridge and Stockport could still receive investment as part of future transport schemes according to the latest report from the Greater Manchester Rapid Transit Strategy.
The little-used route only sees one passenger train per week, which stops in both directions at Denton and Reddish South.
This ‘ghost train’ travels from Stalybridge to Stockport on Saturday mornings and runs at the minimum legally required frequency to keep the line open.
As a result, it is hugely popular with railway enthusiasts and curious tourists.
The GMRTS report suggests that while the current case for upgrading the line to run a tram/train hybrid service is ‘weak’, it could play a future role.
It calls the link an ‘important strategic resource’, with the potential for stronger connections between Tameside, Stockport and Manchester Airport.
However, due to Audenshaw Reservoirs and Reddish Vale providing a natural limit to population density and growth, any expansion of services or investment in the line is a long way off.
While the Stalybridge to Stockport route is the only ‘ghost train’ entirely in Greater Manchester, there is a Sunday afternoon Norwich to Manchester Piccadilly service that is the only one to use a section of track near Ely.
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