Last chance to have your say on second city tram line

A brand new Metrolink tram line through the heart of Manchester could be a reality in just five years' time - and now is your last chance to tell Metrolink your views on the proposals.

The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) consultation on the second city crossing plans ends on Friday 9 September, and TfGM is encouraging people to share their views.

Under the proposals, a second city Metrolink line will run from the Deansgate-Castlefield stop, through St Peter's Square, along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street to re-join the existing Metrolink line just outside Victoria Station.

TfGM's Metrolink Director, Philip Purdy, explained: "It's essential that we can build a second city line as part of Metrolink's overall expansion - it will give the Metrolink the capacity, flexibility and reliability that passengers need as the network trebles in size over the next five years.

"As part of the public consultation on the new line, we have held a very successful series of public exhibitions, where thousands of people took the time to find out more about the plans and speak to our Metrolink team face to face.

"However, although those events are now over, there's still time for you to tell us what you think about our proposals before the consultation ends on 9 September.

"We want to encourage anyone who hasn't already responded to the consultation to get in touch by emailing or writing to us.

"The second city crossing will be an important development for Greater Manchester, so I hope as many people as possible take the time to look at the proposals for the second city crossing and share their views with us."

Following confirmation of Transport and Works Act powers and appointing a contractor, it is anticipated that construction of the second city line is likely to start in 2013 with the extension set to be in service in late 2016.

The proposed line would be approximately 1.6km long with two stops - a new, larger tram stop at St Peter's Square and a stop at Exchange Square ?- as well as enhancements to Metrolink facilities at Victoria Station.

TfGM has also worked closely with Manchester City Council to ensure the route fits the council's regeneration aspirations for St Peter's Square, which is expected to contain the busiest tram stop on the expanded network.

Transport for Greater Manchester would like to hear your views on the Metrolink second city crossing by Friday 9 September 2011, when the public consultation will close.

To give your views visit: www.tfgm.com/haveyoursay