Transport Secretary Joins Local MP To Open Third Rail Platform at Manchester Airport - 08/01/2009 |
 Local MP Paul Goggins joined Geoff Hoon MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, when he officially opened the recently completed third platform at Manchester Airport’s railway station this morning.
The new £15m third platform will make it easier to travel to Manchester Airport by train and is crucial to the success of the new west coast timetable as it relieves congestion on the approaches to Piccadilly. It was completed nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.
Paul Goggins said: “I am delighted that Geoff Hoon was able to come and officially open the third platform at the Airport’s station. Reliable rail access to Manchester Airport is vital to strength of the local economy and could result in employment and productivity benefits worth around £20 million.”
Peter Strachan, Network Rail’s route director said: “With over two million passengers a year using the station, and with all the extra services using the west coast route, this platform was absolutely essential. It is a testament to real partnership working that everyone pulled together in the way that they did to achieve an early completion.”
Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “During the last 15 years, and alongside our partners, we have continued to invest over £100 million in the public transport facilities that service our airport. The airport is in a favourable position compared to those regional airports that still rely solely on road access and the opening of the new platform continues to strengthen the modes offered.”
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