Twice as many city centre trams

Metrolink tram

Twice as many trams will run through Manchester city centre when the new Metrolink lines open from spring 2011 onwards.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is overseeing a £575 million expansion of the network to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester. Construction work is due to start early next year.

Most city centre stops will have trams calling at them at least every three minutes during the daytime in both directions when the routes open.

Trams will run into Manchester every 6 minutes from Oldham, Droylsden and Chorlton, and every 12 minutes from Rochdale. Services will also continue to run from Bury and Altrincham every 6 minutes, and from Eccles every 12 minutes.

Councillor Matt Colledge, Chair of the Passenger Transport Authority, said: "One of the biggest benefits of Metrolink is that it provides a frequent service, making it more convenient.

"Passengers don't have to worry about checking a timetable before they leave home. They can simply turn up at a Metrolink stop and buy a ticket knowing that a tram will be along in a few minutes time.

"The trams on the new Metrolink lines will be as frequent as on the existing lines, with trams passing stops every 6 or 12 minutes in both directions. The extra trams running into Manchester will also double the frequency of trams in the city centre."

The three new Metrolink lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 26 stops. Trains will stop running on the train line to Oldham and Rochdale in autumn 2009, with the new Metrolink line expected to open to trams between Manchester and Central Park in East Manchester in spring 2011.

Trams are also due to begin running to St Werburgh's Road in Chorlton in spring 2011, Oldham Mumps in autumn 2011, and to Rochdale and Droylsden in spring 2012.

Transport bosses are developing proposals for alternative bus services along the Oldham and Rochdale line while the work takes place. Detailed information will be provided to passengers nearer the time.