If we want people to get out of their car, we do have to provide a good alternative. Rail is ideal as roads can get clogged through no fault of the operator.
@ringi - there are train paths from Stockport - Manchester but I agree it'd be tight.
@andrewbowden - full conversion to Metrolink is a bit Marple-centrist - there are also Hope Valley trains and freight trains to consider. As you say dual running does work in the rest of Europe, especially NL and Germany.
Stockport's "offer" has been poor, but is improving with Red Rock and Foodie Friday being two recent changes. When I go to the town hall, cycling is about 30 mins, and I leave 60 mins for buses (in case one is cancelled / late, especially in rush hour). Cars typically take 20 mins in busy periods but parking is poor.
Parking also poor in Marple. Cons are suggesting 30 mins free parking, which is laudable. Until you ask, where is the financial shortfall going to be made up from, when Con government is starving local authorities? (Remember the big recent debate about station car parks) And Marple car parks are already full. Are we building more?
In conclusion, cars are definitely not the answer to all transport problems, especially in crowded urban areas.