Sustainable integrated transport - connecting communities locally, regionally and nationally
Welcome
The Peaks and Dales Line is the proposed route that would enable the return of a regular, direct Manchester to Derby service via Buxton, Bakewell, Chinley and Matlock for the first time since 1968.
Our proposals follow a Department for Transport initial assessment of multiple transport solutions for known 'unsustainable' transport and traffic problems.
With support of almost 30 Members of Parliament, across the communities the line will serve and benefit - support continues to grow as we finalise the feasibility study for assessment by the Department for Transport.
The feasibility study process ensures that we fully explain why the railway is the right option for the issues faced, along with outline costs and anticpated benefits that could be achieved.
We are progressing the study without any demand on public funding - private investment has secured the incredible progress to date with a range of selected organisations and individuals bringing the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to the project.
We are also supported by the lead campaigner - Manchester and East Midlands Rail Action Partnership (MEMRAP) which was established in 2018 to secure additional support and funding.
Please see the ‘Supporting Us’ page.
Our Community Teams initiative is established and growing across the communities the line will serve and benefit from the reopening continues to grow.
The community led initiative enables residents and local businesses to get on-board with supporting the proposals to reopen the line.
Our approach works within five professionally recognised areas - Engagement, Inclusion, Structure, Empowerment and Sharing.
Our Community Teams have access to up to date and accurate information for sharing within their communities, and they also provide feedback for the project team.
Please contact us for more information.
The Railway
By reinstating and upgrading around 36 miles of the original route, our proposals deliver a direct railway connection between Manchester and Derby for the first time since 1968, providing national, regional and much needed connectivity for the local communities along the route.
The reopened railway would provide vital community connectivity as well as sustainably providing access to the National Park.
THE 'MONSAL TRAIL NETWORK'
The former railway route is for the majority protected for the return of the railway.
Planning Policy mandates an acceptable replacement trail to be constructed within the National Park as part of the reinstatement of the railway.
We are working on exciting proposals to create a 'world class experience' for visitors to the Peak District National Park. This will enable footpath and trail connectivity with the stations along the route and providing investment in improved access to other trails and footpaths.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability and investing in biodiversity and the environment are at the heart of our proposals.
Given the number of visitors to the Peak District National Park each year, and the openly acknowledged 'unsustainable transport problem' created by around 80% of those Park visitors arriving by car, this is a long-standing and ongoing situation that can only be resolved by having a multi-modal integrated transport solution that includes rail.
Re-opening the line provides a unique opportunity to deliver a sustainable transport solution, with significant carbon reduction potential through modal shift from road to rail, and investment in nature recovery networks along the route.