Oldham Loop: A New Era Begins

Photo: R Clarke

The first tram on the old 'Oldham Loop' line boarding at Oldham Mumps stop at 05:57 to form the 06:00 departure on 13 June 2012

Passengers boarded the first tram to run from Oldham in 65 years at 5:57am today (Wednesday 13 June) at the temporary Oldham Mumps stop.

The tram had departed from Manchester Victoria at 5:30am with the first passenger service to Oldham.

The old ‘loop’ line is now connected as far as Rochdale with overhead wires, which are energised up to Shaw. Shaw will be the next section to open; gauging will take place in early July, with a diesel shunter propelling a tram from Oldham Mumps along the whole line to Rochdale railway station.

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This is a historic day for Oldham and the Metrolink network. People will be able to make brand new journeys from brand new stops on brand new trams and tracks. For the first time, people will be able to travel to and from Monsall, Central Park, South Chadderton and Freehold on this line, so we are opening up new and exciting opportunities.”

The start of the Oldham line marks the latest stage in the expansion of the Metrolink network. The Rochdale town centre lines are due for completion in 2014, opening up more opportunities for businesses and communities.

Richard Greenwood, STORM Chairman said: “I am happy to see the trams begin to run today.

“Many people have been critical over the Metrolink and they have a right to be, because of the length of time taken to build them. Having looked at the stations, it is clear to see that they have done a good job improving them. They are all brand new and excellently equipped – a lot better than the old broken down stations.

“The only issue with Oldham Mumps is that it is quite a way out from the town centre. I think it is important to get the trams running to Shaw as soon as possible. Most of the work is already complete, so it would have been excellent if the Rochdale line were up and running sooner.

“In September and October, trains will not run on Sundays, so this would have been the perfect opportunity to begin the Metrolink service.”