The Burnham-Rotherham proposal seems, to my half-trained ears, more heat than light. A package of measures to buff the existing system's stats (Platform 15/16, reworking Oxford Road/Deansgate, more electrification, that sort of thing) would probably go further and have better politics. Basically, take what Chris Grayling cancelled, and uncancel it - it's a good policy for any politician to follow, in any case. Instead we get vague posturing about another line, rather than a package of stuff that separately isn't as glamorous, but together would go a long way.
I always like The Mill articles as your journalists research interesting aspects of a story. The article about Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram agrees that they get on well and want to work together to improve train transport for Manchester and Liverpool. But why the sneering references to a bromance, used twice, and bezzys? They hint at some cosy, underhand deal. Is this fair? They're experienced politicians and have worked really hard. I wish them luck in their goal. Both cities need better transport and who else will fight for it?
The Burnham-Rotherham proposal seems, to my half-trained ears, more heat than light. A package of measures to buff the existing system's stats (Platform 15/16, reworking Oxford Road/Deansgate, more electrification, that sort of thing) would probably go further and have better politics. Basically, take what Chris Grayling cancelled, and uncancel it - it's a good policy for any politician to follow, in any case. Instead we get vague posturing about another line, rather than a package of stuff that separately isn't as glamorous, but together would go a long way.
I always like The Mill articles as your journalists research interesting aspects of a story. The article about Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram agrees that they get on well and want to work together to improve train transport for Manchester and Liverpool. But why the sneering references to a bromance, used twice, and bezzys? They hint at some cosy, underhand deal. Is this fair? They're experienced politicians and have worked really hard. I wish them luck in their goal. Both cities need better transport and who else will fight for it?