UK: Transport for Greater Manchester has issued a progress update on plans to expand the Metrolink light rail network and introduce tram-train services across Greater Manchester.
The Bee Network Committee and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have approved a pipeline of projects to be delivered over the medium- to longer term after 2030; development of these projects is being backed by £6m of funding to cover planning work.
The projects in scope include:
- Finalising the Strategic Outline Case for extending Metrolink services to Stockport from East Didsbury this autumn, with construction to begin in 2030. This will also explore the potential for tram-train connections to Hazel Grove, Tameside via Denton and Reddish, and Manchester Airport.
- Starting work by the end of 2025 on the Strategic Outline Case for completion of the Metrolink Airport Line ‘Western Leg’, which would serve traffic generators at the Airport, Wythenshawe Hospital and around Davenport Green. This will explore the potential for tram-train connections to Stockport, Altrincham and Network Rail’s Mid-Cheshire line towards Knutsford and Chester.
- In summer 2026, preparation will start on the Strategic Outline Case for expanding Metrolink services to Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, and extending the network to the northwest of the city region including options for links to Leigh, Wigan and Bolton.
Longer term plans
Further work this year will look at options for serving Middleton & the Northern Gateway, and Trafford Waters, Port Salford & the Western Gateway and shape business cases for these links.
Ongoing work is envisaged to protect routes for longer-term schemes to take light rail services or tram-trains to Glossop, Hadfield, Marple and Warrington. The Glossop corridor was one of the routes envisaged for conversion to light rail standards when the Metrolink network was first proposed in the mid-1980s.
Early development work on plans for underground urban rail routes in central Manchester is also covered. Transport for Greater Manchester says these would complement plans for east-west underground connections as part of the proposed Liverpool-Manchester Railway programme.
Work will continue to develop a tram-train service linking Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood and Bury. Local policymakers hope that construction of this ‘pathfinder’ scheme could begin in 2028.
Rolling stock renewal
The pipeline document also covers plans to buy ‘next generation’ trams to complement the existing Metrolink fleet of Alstom M5000 high-floor LRVs. These would be of a length comparable to a coupled pair of the current vehicles, and offer a fully walk-through interior.
‘Every part of our city region needs to feel the benefits of Greater Manchester’s growth. To make sure that happens, we’ve pledged to connect our people and communities to new opportunities better than ever before. We’re planning to connect all 10 boroughs to the ever-popular Metrolink network as part of a long-term, sustained expansion of the Bee Network’, said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester when the pipeline report was issued on August 22.
‘This latest funding means we can develop the case for a pipeline of both tram and tram-train new lines and extensions, and ultimately underground infrastructure in the city centre, to make sure we get a public transport system befitting the global city region we are.
‘More people are getting on board the Bee Network, but we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to plan ahead to accommodate continued growth, with more tram, bus and train routes giving people a viable alternative to the car.’
