Final train to run next October

Work to transform the train track into a tram line between Rochdale and Oldham will start next year.

Trains will stop running between Rochdale, Oldham and Manchester in October next year as work begins to replace the train track with the new Metrolink line.

Trains have run from Rochdale to Manchester via Oldham for nearly 130 years but from October 3 2009 they will run no more.

The first tram will not travel to Rochdale until early 2012 so transport bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTE) are hoping to expand the bus network to carry passengers while the work takes place.

GMPTE’s Metrolink director, Philip Purdy, said: “As well as replacing the stations with Metrolink stops, we’ll be building six new stops.

“The track will be upgraded and we have already ordered cars to run on the line.

“The tram service will be more than twice as frequent as the train service, and will provide a direct link into Manchester city centre and beyond.

“It will also make it much easier to reach other destinations across Greater Manchester using public transport.”

The work to bring the Metrolink to Rochdale via Oldham will take place regardless of the result of the Transport Innovation Fund referendum next month. However, if the TIF bid is succesful, trams would run into Rochdale town centre as part of the £3billion public transport improvements throughout Greater Manchester, part paid for by the controversial city centre congestion charge.

Trains from Manchester to Leeds, via Rochdale, will run as normal while the work takes place.