A STUDY looking at a busy Cheshire commuter train line has started, leading to what could be improvements for passengers.

The Mid-Cheshire line runs from Manchester to Stockport and Chester, serving many picturesque villages, Delamere Forest and towns including Altrincham, Knutsford and Northwich.

The line has seen tremendous passenger growth in recent years, with usage increasing by 66% from 1998-2010. Current figures show it continuing to increase annually at a rate of 10%.

The study will last until April and focus on journey times, timetable improvements, stations and stops, in addition to infrastructure.

It is being carried out by JMP Consultants, with funding for the project provided by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council.

TfGM and both councils are part of the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, which aims to promote and enhance rail services in the area and is made up of 10 stakeholder bodies.

The Mid-Cheshire line survey comes as the Northern Hub rail scheme continues to be implemented across the region.

A £500m seven-year project to improve rail services and infrastructure in the north of England, the Northern Hub is set for completion in 2018. Complementing this is the electrification of key rail routes in the North West by 2016.