GJMarshy
Member
Thought this might be of interest to some on here!
This map is a mix of my design passion and a vision for where I think Manchester’s transport system should be heading over the next 30 years. It’s not meant to capture every pipeline project or all of my own ideas, but instead highlights what I think are the “best performers.” These are the projects that, in my view, would deliver the most value in terms of connectivity, ridership growth, and future-proofing the network.
Key Features:
1. Cross-City Metro Tunnel
One of the central features is a proposed cross-city metro tunnel, linking the East Didsbury line (extended to Stockport) and Altrincham line to Piccadilly and the Bury line. This would effectively replace Metrolink services on these routes with frequent heavy rail metro. The goal here is to fully utilise the tunnel’s capacity and ensure it’s ready for future ridership growth, with the potential for expansion into Tameside as population density increases.
2. South Manchester Tram Line
The map also includes a new tram line connecting the Airport Metrolink line to Piccadilly via South Manchester, with stops in Moss Side, Whitworth Park, MRI, and the Universities. These areas are currently under-served by rail-based transit, and this line would help address that. The route is intentionally a bit indirect toward the city centre, because trams excel at short, high-demand trips. This line encourages exactly that, while also acting as a feeder into the metro and rail network for longer journeys. It also ensures the Airport/Wythenshawe line stays well-connected, since the East Didsbury line would become metro-only under this proposal.
3. New Tram and Rail Connections
Design Philosophy
For the map itself, I really wanted to convey:
“This is Manchester. This is the future.”
It includes geographical landmarks like the River Irwell and Salford Quays’ basins to give it a strong sense of place, while keeping geographic distortions to a minimum. I wanted it to feel rooted in Manchester, but still readable and usable even at smaller sizes. Striking that balance was tricky, and I’ll admit it’s not perfect—there are areas I’d like to refine, like extending detail beyond some of the directional arrows. But after a lot of trial and error, this is where I landed, and I think it works pretty well.
It’s bold. It’s a little different. But I hope it conveys the ambition and practicality of the world-class transport system Manchester deserves—and is on its way to building. I’m quite happy with the result, but as with everything, always room for improvement. Let me know your thoughts!
— Marshy
This map is a mix of my design passion and a vision for where I think Manchester’s transport system should be heading over the next 30 years. It’s not meant to capture every pipeline project or all of my own ideas, but instead highlights what I think are the “best performers.” These are the projects that, in my view, would deliver the most value in terms of connectivity, ridership growth, and future-proofing the network.
Key Features:
1. Cross-City Metro Tunnel
One of the central features is a proposed cross-city metro tunnel, linking the East Didsbury line (extended to Stockport) and Altrincham line to Piccadilly and the Bury line. This would effectively replace Metrolink services on these routes with frequent heavy rail metro. The goal here is to fully utilise the tunnel’s capacity and ensure it’s ready for future ridership growth, with the potential for expansion into Tameside as population density increases.
2. South Manchester Tram Line
The map also includes a new tram line connecting the Airport Metrolink line to Piccadilly via South Manchester, with stops in Moss Side, Whitworth Park, MRI, and the Universities. These areas are currently under-served by rail-based transit, and this line would help address that. The route is intentionally a bit indirect toward the city centre, because trams excel at short, high-demand trips. This line encourages exactly that, while also acting as a feeder into the metro and rail network for longer journeys. It also ensures the Airport/Wythenshawe line stays well-connected, since the East Didsbury line would become metro-only under this proposal.
3. New Tram and Rail Connections
- There’s a new tram line linking Bury and Heywood to the Rochdale Metrolink line.
- I’ve also proposed a rail spur off the Calder Valley line, terminating at Middleton. To me, this feels like a much more practical way of connecting Middleton to the city centre than a slow, winding tram route.
- Middleton Junction
- Longsight
- United (relocated)
- Cornbrook, to improve rail-tram interchange
- Oldfield Road, designed to boost North-South Manchester connectivity, as well as links to Salford Quays, without having to go through the city centre. This one could even work as a Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR)station on an east-west alignment.
Design Philosophy
For the map itself, I really wanted to convey:
“This is Manchester. This is the future.”
It includes geographical landmarks like the River Irwell and Salford Quays’ basins to give it a strong sense of place, while keeping geographic distortions to a minimum. I wanted it to feel rooted in Manchester, but still readable and usable even at smaller sizes. Striking that balance was tricky, and I’ll admit it’s not perfect—there are areas I’d like to refine, like extending detail beyond some of the directional arrows. But after a lot of trial and error, this is where I landed, and I think it works pretty well.
It’s bold. It’s a little different. But I hope it conveys the ambition and practicality of the world-class transport system Manchester deserves—and is on its way to building. I’m quite happy with the result, but as with everything, always room for improvement. Let me know your thoughts!
— Marshy
