Work has started to make Swinton rail station fully accessible for all passengers.
For years, the steps to the Swinton platforms have been a barrier to many people being able to catch the train – from those with disabilities to older people and carers pushing buggies.
Now, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is investing £4.3m to make the station step-free for the first time, working with Network Rail and Northern.
It’s part of a £100 million programme to go further and faster to improve accessibility on Greater Manchester’s rail network.
Teams have now started on site at Swinton to deliver:
- A new passenger lift providing step-free access to the platforms
- A refurbished and more accessible ticket office
- A new accessible toilet and baby changing facilities
- Improved lighting and CCTV to improve safety and security
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Greater Manchester’s old Victorian railway stations may be full of character, but the reality is they often act as a barrier to people catching the train.
“It’s not right that people need to travel miles to a different station or find another way to get around, just because they can’t get up the station stairs. So, we’re doing something about it.
“Swinton is one of four stations we’re now on with making step-free. By next spring, everyone will be able to get on the train there, with a new lift to the platforms, toilets and baby-changing facilities, and a lighter, brighter station.
“It’s part of my promise to the people of Greater Manchester to make our railways safer and more accessible for everyone as we bring them into the Bee Network.”
Swinton station will remain open and trains will run as normal throughout the work, expected to be completed by spring 2027.
To refurbish the ticket office at Swinton and make it fully accessible, the existing ticket office will be closed until November 2026. Passengers are still able to buy tickets using the ticket machines at the station, online or from on-train staff.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:
“In Salford we have campaigned long and hard for step-free access to make the rail network fully accessible for all our community.
“This is fantastic news for Swinton and for Salford residents who rely on our rail network every day. For too long, the lack of step-free access at the station has made travelling by train difficult or impossible for some people. This includes disabled passengers, older residents, parents with young children and those carrying heavy luggage.
“It is fantastic news that the investment is confirmed and these vital works are finally starting. It will make such a difference for our local residents.”
“Well done to all who have made this possible and let us continue to work together to create a transport network that is fully accessible to everyone.”
TfGM’s programme is progressing at pace. Last year, Daisy Hill and Irlam stations were made step free. Work is now underway at Bryn and Hindley (both Wigan) and Reddish North (Stockport) stations.
TfGM will then start work in spring 2027 at Levenshulme (Manchester), Flowery Field (Tameside), and Newton for Hyde (Tameside). Bredbury, Woodsmoor, and Davenport stations in Stockport will be upgraded in 2028.
The work supports Greater Manchester’s plans to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028 and create a more accessible, joined-up public transport system.
This is one of several pledges that will help deliver the Greater Manchester Strategy vision for a world-class, integrated transport system that will support our growth as a global city region, providing world-class connections and access to opportunity for all.
Kerry Peters, Director of Stations for Northern, said:
“Making our stations accessible to everyone is a priority for Northern, so it’s great to see work getting underway at Swinton.
“Step-free access transforms what a station can offer passengers, opening up rail travel to people who have previously found the stairs a barrier, whether that’s wheelchair users, parents with buggies, or older passengers.
“We’ll continue to work closely with TfGM and Network Rail throughout the project to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place.”
Image credit: TfGM
