- Transport Secretary and Mayor celebrate success of Metrolink
tram network and commit to working on further proposals for
expansion.
- Grayling underlines importance of close collaboration with
Mayor to deliver HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and bus reform.
- Range of ideas for expansion of Greater Manchester tram
network, including innovative tram-train, could see greater local
control for Transport for Greater Manchester.
A shared commitment to expanding the Greater Manchester tram
network through tram-train services, enabling faster, more
reliable journeys across the network and cutting congestion, will
be welcomed by the Transport Secretary and Greater Manchester
Mayor today (25 January 2019).
will announce on a visit to
the new Wharfside Metrolink stop – part of the £350 million
Trafford Park Line extension supported by government through the
Greater Manchester Devolution Deal - that the Department for
Transport, Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester
(TfGM) are
working to explore a range of proposals for expansion.
This could include an innovative tram-train system in Greater
Manchester and underlines a shared agreement on the opportunity
for greater local control of transport services. Proposals will
be brought forward by TfGM before the
summer.
Both the Transport Secretary and the Mayor will also agree on the
need for a positive, collaborative approach to help unlock the
potential of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, and continue to
make real progress in reforming Greater Manchester’s bus network.
Transport Secretary said:
Metrolink has been transformative for Greater Manchester and I
want to see the network expand.
A Greater Manchester tram-train also has the potential to
seamlessly integrate our existing rail and tram tracks and
services. We will work closely to explore proposals which would
see Transport for Greater Manchester running more services,
underlining our belief in greater local control.
Greater Manchester Mayor said:
Greater Manchester is a growing city-region, but our transport
network and infrastructure is holding us back. The people of
Greater Manchester deserve a transport system that works for us
both now and in the future.
Greater Manchester leaders recently shared our vision for the
future of the city-region including our plan for jobs, homes
and growth. Bringing innovative tram-train to Greater
Manchester with greater local control and better integration of
our transport system is a key part of this vision and I’m
pleased that the government supports this ambition.
I also welcome the government’s commitment to working together
to deliver bus reform and secure the best possible outcomes for
Greater Manchester and the north from both Northern Powerhouse
Rail and High Speed 2.
Using existing rail and tram infrastructure, a Greater Manchester
tram-train system could increase rail capacity, reduce
congestion, improve air quality and deliver more seamless,
frequent journeys for passengers across the city-region.
