'Sad fact trams can't be built in UK' - MP on transport visit

One of the new-look trams in production that will eventually run to Rochdale.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has criticised the fact that trams that will run to Rochdale are not being built in this country after visiting the factory in Vienna where the new trams are currently being constructed.

Mr Rowen visited the Bombardier Factory in Vienna in his role as Chairman of the All-party Parliamentary Group on Light Rail and criticised the fact that transport bosses had no choice but to have the trams produced abroad.

Mr Rowen said: “It was interesting to see the new trams in production but also a sad fact that there are no factories in the UK capable of making these trams. This was due to the fact that there were no orders placed in the 80’s and 90’s. The one factory in Derby that could have built them was shut.

"The tram that I saw is one of 40 new yellow and silver trams made to support the £600 million extension of the Metrolink that includes the extension to Rochdale.”

Mr Rowen also met with the Managing Director of Bombardier Kai Ostermann and Roland Urdich, the project manager of the new trams, during a tour of the factory.

“These trams will soon become a regular sight in Rochdale and I was pleased to find out that they had been designed by a Greater Manchester company,” he said.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, the Vice-Chairman of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, said: “These locally designed trams will really stand out in places like Rochdale, with the new and exciting livery giving an impression of speed and movement. I am looking forward to seeing our new look trams arriving in Rochdale."

The trams, costing £2million, each will run on the existing lines and the new lines to Rochdale, Droylsden, Chorlton and Media City UK in Salford Quays.