Progress on expanding Manchester Metrolink

Transport for Greater Manchester has approved £5.7M in funding for the next phase of work to introduce tram trains as part of the Bee Network expansion, The Oldham–Rochdale–Heywood–Bury tram-train pathfinder scheme under the Northern Gateway project for the Atom Valley. Atom Valley is one of six growth locations in Greater Manchester and includes significant parts of Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. Rochdale Council endorsed the Northern Gateway Transport Framework at their meeting on 25 November. The funding will enable work to progress on plans for the tram-train route, as well as explore options to improve the tram fleet. It will identify the next generation vehicles for the existing Metrolink network as well as similar models that can also run on rail infrastructure. 

In a further piece of work, TfGM is working with Stockport Council to develop a business case to bring trams from East Didsbury to Stockport using the underused rail corridor through Denton using tram-train technology, possibly involving a direct service from Stockport to Manchester Airport. A submission to the Department for Transport is planned for 2026. 

 

Graeter Manchester Mayor Any Burnham said, 'We’ve a bold plan to deliver a decade of good growth for Greater Manchester, one that benefits every part of the city region. Developing the Bee Network and delivering better bus, tram and train connections will be fundamental to our growth story. For too long, Denton has been overlooked and by working up the tram-train option to connect Denton and the wider area to the Metrolink is a big step toward unlocking opportunities for local residents and businesses. We’re committed to extending Metrolink to Stockport and beyond as part of our efforts to connect all our districts to the tram network and delivering a truly integrated transport network for everyone’.