WARRINGTON features in plans for the expansion of the public transport network in Manchester.

Leaders have unveiled transport plans to meet growth ambitions as statistics show more people are getting onboard more reliable Bee Network buses.

Record numbers of people are also travelling by tram, with usage up by more than 20 per cent over the past year, and more people travelling on Metrolink services throughout May than any other month in its 32-year history.

It is the tram network which sees Warrington mentioned in a list of 15 emerging priorities for expanding the rapid transit system.

The list features with new lines, extended lines and converted lines that have been identified for further detailed prioritisation to identify the top three that could make best use of existing infrastructure.

Other priorities are to serve major centres and link to jobs in key growth areas, provide frequent and fast services, and integrate well with existing and new inter-city rail services and lines.

One option is for a tram-train on the line to Warrington Central.

A Transport for Greater Manchester document states: “In the longer-term, options for tram-train services on this line perform well against the prioritisation principles.

“But there is the difficulty of where these would go in the regional centre, so this route is also to be considered for major new tunnelled capacity.”

Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham said: “Nowhere else in the country is delivering a plan as ambitious as here in Greater Manchester.

“Safe, affordable and reliable transport – connected together by quality routes for walking, wheeling and cycling – are key to ensuring a healthier, more prosperous city-region.

“With ambitious plans for housing, education and skills, we are looking in detail at how we better connect Greater Manchester in the future – both across our towns and cities, but also with other parts of the north.

“When we succeed, the country succeeds, and I look forward to working with this new Government to ensure we maximise our role as a leading contributor to sustainable regional and national economic growth.”

Transport commissioner Vernon Everitt added: , said: “The next four years will see further rapid improvements to transport for the people and businesses of the region.

“This includes completion of bringing together Metrolink, buses, trains and active travel into a joined-up Bee Network, all linked by simple and affordable fares, ticketing and customer information.

“As part of a new rapid transit strategy, we are working with the rail industry on a detailed timeline to bring eight local train lines into the Bee Network by 2028, alongside work to further extend the hugely successful Metrolink.

“Delivery of this plan will further increase ridership, driving up revenue for reinvestment in better services.”

Other plans by Transport for Greater Manchester include creating a new train station for Golborne, which would be of benefit for residents of north east Warrington such as Culcheth.