East Didbury line celebrates its 10th birthday
Posted on 25th May 2023 at 16:54
The Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burham, joined local Councillor Andrew Simcock, former chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Andrew Fender and ex-Didsbury councillor Geoff Bridson at the tram stop, where they handed slices of a Metrolink cake to passengers.
Ten years of operation. An estimated 38.8 million car kilometres removed from the road. A significant improvement in public transport to employment, healthcare services and education.
Just some of the many excellent reasons to celebrate ten years of the East Didsbury line opening.
Originally opened in 2013, the eight stop line was part of Metrolink's £2bn 'phase three' expansion that saw new lines to Ashton, Rochdale via Oldham, Manchester Airport and a new line through Manchester city centre.
More than 41.5 million journeys have been made on the line since then, with it showing strong signs of recovery following the pandemic, with 4.73m journeys made between April 2022 and March 2023, compared with 1.23m in 2020/21.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Metrolink is a great example of what we can achieve when we have a locally run system that is accountable to, and delivered in the best interests of our local communities.
“It’s been a game-changer for Greater Manchester and the expansion programme was one of largest and most ambitious transport projects to be delivered in the UK.
“It demonstrates perfectly why we are uniquely placed to continue to deliver the transformational changes to public transport and active travel that the Bee Network will bring to all our communities over the coming years.”
Cllr Andrew Simcock, said: “Metrolink has transformed the lives of thousands of Didsbury residents. Before it reached Didsbury, they would have faced lengthy bus journeys into the city centre or driven.
“Now they can be in the heart of Manchester's shopping. leisure and business districts within 20 minutes without the hassle and expense of parking – and of course vice-versa for visitors to West Didsbury, Didsbury Village and East Didsbury wanting to come to our many independent shops, restaurants, bars and pubs.
“It was great to share this milestone – and a slice of cake – with local residents and my thanks also to Carole the cake maker for taking on the challenge of creating a tram shaped cake!"
Tagged as: Metrolink, Manchester, TfGM
Share this post: