Metrolink (Manchester)

Metrolink (Manchester) is a tram network in Greater Manchester, England, operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink under contract to the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) authority, which is responsible for Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Bolton Council, Bury Council, Oldham Council, Rochdale Borough Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Council, and Wigan Council. The network is a key part of the public transport system in Manchester, with connections to Manchester Victoria station, Manchester Piccadilly station, and Manchester Airport. Metrolink also links to other transport modes, such as National Rail services at Altrincham railway station, Eccles railway station, and Ashton-under-Lyne railway station, as well as bus services operated by Stagecoach Manchester and First Greater Manchester.

Introduction

The Metrolink network is one of the largest light rail systems in the United Kingdom, with a total route length of over 60 miles, serving 93 tram stops across Greater Manchester. The system is used by millions of passengers each year, with connections to major destinations such as Manchester city centre, MediaCityUK, Etihad Campus, and Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Metrolink is integrated with other transport modes, including National Express coach services and TransPennine Express train services, to provide a comprehensive transport network for the region. The network is also connected to nearby cities, including Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield, through rail and bus services operated by Northern Rail and Arriva North West.

History

The concept of a light rail system in Manchester dates back to the 1980s, with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) proposing a network of tram lines to connect the city centre with surrounding suburbs. The first phase of the Metrolink network opened in 1992, with a route from Manchester Victoria station to Bury Interchange and Altrincham Interchange. The network was expanded in the following years, with new lines opening to Eccles Interchange and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) authority took over responsibility for the network in 2011, and has since overseen significant expansion and modernization of the system, including the introduction of new trams and the development of new routes to MediaCityUK and Manchester Airport. The network has also been integrated with other transport modes, including National Rail services operated by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express.

Network

The Metrolink network consists of eight lines, each serving a different part of Greater Manchester. The lines are: Altrincham Line, Bury Line, Eccles Line, Manchester Airport Line, East Didsbury Line, Rochdale Line, Oldham and Rochdale Line, and Ashton-under-Lyne Line. The network serves a total of 93 tram stops, including major destinations such as Manchester Victoria station, Manchester Piccadilly station, and Manchester Airport. The network is connected to other transport modes, including National Rail services at Altrincham railway station, Eccles railway station, and Ashton-under-Lyne railway station, as well as bus services operated by Stagecoach Manchester and First Greater Manchester. The network also links to nearby cities, including Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield, through rail and bus services operated by Northern Rail and Arriva North West.

Operations

The Metrolink network is operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink under contract to the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) authority. The network is maintained by a team of engineers and technicians, who are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the system. The network is also monitored by a control centre, which is staffed by trained operators who can respond quickly to any issues that may arise. The network operates from approximately 6am to 12am, Monday to Saturday, and from approximately 7am to 10pm on Sundays. The frequency of services varies depending on the time of day and the line, but most lines operate at a frequency of every 10-20 minutes. The network is also integrated with other transport modes, including National Express coach services and TransPennine Express train services.

Rolling_stock

The Metrolink network is operated by a fleet of trams, which are maintained by KeolisAmey Metrolink at a depot in Queens Road Depot. The fleet consists of 120 Bombardier M5000 trams, which were introduced in 2011 to replace the original T-68 and T-68A trams. The Bombardier M5000 trams are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, wi-fi, and passenger information systems. The trams are also equipped with accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps and audio announcements. The network is also connected to other transport modes, including National Rail services operated by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express, which offer a range of trains, including Class 142 and Class 185 diesel multiple units.

Future_development

There are several plans for future development of the Metrolink network, including the proposed Tram-Train project, which would allow trams to operate on heavy rail lines, providing a direct link between Manchester and nearby cities such as Leeds and Sheffield. The project would involve the construction of new tram lines and the upgrading of existing heavy rail lines to allow for the operation of tram-trains. The project is being developed in partnership with Network Rail and Northern Rail, and is expected to be completed by 2025. The network is also expected to be integrated with other transport modes, including High Speed 2 (HS2) and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), which will provide high-speed train services between Manchester and other major cities in the North of England. The development of the Metrolink network is also expected to be influenced by the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, which sets out a vision for the future development of the region, including the creation of new housing and employment opportunities. Category:Transport in Manchester