Town centre Metrolink opens on 31 March

Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop

The new town centre Metrolink line will open to passengers on Monday 31 March, subject to final testing.

The final stage will start on Thursday 27 March and will see trams running along the route every 12 minutes but out of service, to complete the commissioning of the new infrastructure.

The first in-service tram to leave the new Smith Street stop will depart on the Monday at 5.53am.

Metrolink passengers will have direct access to local bus services calling at the new Rochdale Interchange across the road from the town centre stop.

Leader of Rochdale Council, Colin Lambert, said: “The opening of the Metrolink in Rochdale is another huge step forward in the regeneration of Rochdale town centre.

“Along with the proposed £100m retail and family leisure facility and our unrivalled heritage offer it will help turn Rochdale into a popular destination for visitors and better connect us to the rest of the region.”

The town centre line will bring the size of the current Metrolink network to 48.5 miles (78km), serving 77 stops.