Stagecoach Metrolink journey starts

Chairman of the Passenger Transport Authority Roger Jones and Andy Morris on board a Metrolink tram

One of the UK’s biggest transport companies will take over the operation of Metrolink services in Greater Manchester on Sunday 15 July.

Stagecoach Group plc has signed a deal with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority to run services on the network for the next decade. It will also be responsible for maintaining the Metrolink system, including the track and stops.

Andy Morris, Stagecoach’s Light Rail Managing Director, took a tram trip through the city centre on Friday with Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Passenger Transport Authority.

Councillor Jones said: “Metrolink has been a massive success story since it opened fifteen years ago and has got a bright future ahead. We’re currently investing over one hundred million pounds on improvements to the network, and have got over half a billion pounds to build three new Metrolink lines.

“I’d like to thank Serco for running Metrolink services for the past decade and look forward to working with Stagecoach in the future. Stagecoach already operates the Supertram system in Sheffield and has extensive experience of running UK rail services. I’m sure Metrolink will go from strength to strength.”

Andy Morris added: “Stagecoach is excited about taking over the operation of Metrolink. The infrastructure improvements taking place this summer will help create a solid foundation to take Metrolink forward, while the new lines will make Metrolink available to even more passengers. We'll be working hard to ensure we deliver both existing passengers and new users an excellent service.”

Metrolink opened in 1992 and services operate on three lines to Bury, Altrincham and Eccles via Salford Quays. Passengers now make around 55,000 journeys on the network every day – nearly 20 million each year. Stagecoach will take over Metrolink from Serco, which has run services on the network since 1997.

There are currently 32 trams operating on the Metrolink network. Eight new trams will be added to the system in 2009 to tackle overcrowding at peak times, and improve the reliability and performance of services.

Further information about public transport services in Greater Manchester is available at www.gmpte.com, or by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines). Lines are open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm at weekends.