Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that a further 21.4 million GBP is being invested in its Metrolink light rail network over the next 12 months.
As the UK’s largest light rail network, Metrolink serves 99 stops across 64 miles of track. Since its opening in 1992, more than 700 million journeys have been made on the trams. This latest investment now aims to ensure services remain safe and reliable for future passengers.
The funding comes from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and was approved by the Bee Network committee on Thursday 22 February. It is part of a planned 147 million GBP package to maintain and upgrade the network through 2027.
Over the next 12 months, immediate priorities include track replacement in parts of the city centre, including Piccadilly Gardens and London Road, as well as on parts of the Altrincham and Bury Lines. This will help deliver quicker, smoother and more reliable journeys.
In addition, plans include modifications to the trams to implement safety systems such as sensors in the middle of double trams and speed warning devices. What’s more, a significant part of the communications network for Metrolink’s signalling and control systems will be replaced.
New electrical substations are also being added along parts of the Bury Line. This will provide additional power so that more double trams can run in the future.
Meanwhile, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is looking to replace the overhead lines on some of the older parts of the network such as the Bury Line.
The work will result in some short-term disruption, which will be communicated to passengers ahead of time.
“Metrolink is an integral part of the Bee Network, and it’s really important that we invest in it so that we can continue to provide a safe, reliable and positive experience for the thousands of people who travel with us every day.
“This is a coordinated package of planned works to maintain, renew and improve the network and help to keep Greater Manchester moving, and while we understand any disruption can be frustrating, we’ll be doing everything we can to keep it to a minimum. We will make sure passengers know what’s happening well in advance and I’d ask people to please bear with us while the works are carried out, as the benefits will be there to be enjoyed for years to come.”
