Approval has been given for the extension of the Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester. Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced the government will pledge the required £244 million towards the total £382 million extension scheme. The extension is likely to be completed by 2012.It will see trams travel to Oldham, Rochdale and Chorlton as well as seeing existing sections of track upgraded to allow faster and more frequent services. The new sections are estimated to attract around 10 million more people onto the light rail scheme each year.
GMPTA is also compiling a case for a further extension to Droylesden, which will be submitted separately at a later date.
This is the first major investment the government has announced for improvements to be made to existing tram schemes since the Edinburgh tram scheme was actioned. It will no doubt be followed very closely by the PTE in South Yorkshire and Nottingham City Council who are both plan to submit plans for extension to their respective tram systems very soon.
Click here to see a map of the extension to the Metrolink network.
