Sustainable transport

Key progress 2024 to 2025

Next Stop Stockport

Working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), we've now secured a commitment to bring the Metrolink to Stockport. The work over summer 2025 to replace the Greek Street bridge protects future potential Metrolink routes, highlighting our commitment to Metrolink and sustainable public transport in Stockport.

Electrification of bus fleets

The new bus franchise started in January 2025, bringing public control, coordinated service, and increased use.

It includes using electric buses in Stockport, helping to meet clean air obligations.

Cheadle Rail Station

Planning permission for the new railway station in Cheadle has been granted, and rail service modelling is complete. Discussions about train services are now underway between operators, TfGM and the Department for Transport. Construction is expected to begin in 2026/27.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

We’re working with Be.EV to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers in council car parks for residents and visitors. So far, 4 sites with 16 charging bays are live, and 5 more will be added in 2025, bringing total investment for EVs in Stockport to nearly £2 million. In partnership with TfGM, new EV charging bays for taxis and private hire vehicles have also been installed at New Bridge Lane, Torkington Park, and Lomas Street in Edgeley.

We’re continuing to plan future sites with Be.EV and are working with TfGM on a funding bid to support residents without driveways to charge their EVs.

Improving walking, cycling and active travel

We’ve delivered several walking and cycling improvements:

  • upgrades around Greek Street Roundabout and Edgeley walking and cycling routes
  • a better bridleway in Ladybrook Valley (between Bramhall Park Road and Ladybridge Road)
  • a new walking and cycling route from Romiley to Stockport
  • the Heatons Cycle Link in Heaton Mersey Common

These have been funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, Active Travel Schemes, and the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

We’ve also run events like:

  • guided and wellbeing walks
  • bike maintenance sessions
  • school poster competitions
  • volunteer training
  • accessible bike trials in Viaduct Park
  • mapped routes like the Steel Cotton Rail Trail

Many of these projects have been made possible through our work with the Community Rail Partnership, the Walking and Cycling Forum, and the Disability Stockport Transport and Access Forum.

LED upgrades for streetlighting

The final year of our LED upgrade programme is on track. Since it began, the programme has cut energy use by 52% and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 62% compared to 2017/18. In 2024/25 alone, it helped avoid around £2 million in energy costs, more than covering the cost of borrowing for the investment.

Clean air near schools

There are currently 4 ‘School Streets’ in the borough, which have now all been made permanent.

Work related to clean air near schools in the last year has included the “Turn It Off” campaign to encourage parents, guardians and visitors to turn off their car engines when stopping near the school.

On The Way Play SK

This year, On The Way Play SK, a partnership between Civic and Social, Stockport Council and Timberplay, won a national Pineapple award for creating child-friendly spaces.

Since March 2024, 2 playful schemes (A Child’s Eye View and Portable Playtime) have brought fun to Castle Street with giant snails, bears, and games like tic-tac-toe. Colourful prompts placed at children’s eye level along walking routes encourage everyone to hop, skip, and explore their surroundings.

Over 1,000 residents helped shape the project, including 19 community groups, 15 businesses, and pupils from Lark Hill and Our Lady’s Primary Schools.