First trip into the town centre on the Metrolink

Aboard the town centre tram
Back: Councillor Andy Kelly, Councillor Ashley Dearnley and RMBC Executive Director Mark Widdup
Front: Councillor Andrew Fender, Councillor Colin Lambert

The final testing stages of the Metrolink into Rochdale Town Centre took place today (Thursday 27 March) with a number of local councillors and invited guests taking the first ride into the town centre this morning.

Councillor Colin Lambert, Councillor Andy Kelly and Councillor Ashley Dearnely were amongst those on board the tram as it made its way from the Rochdale Railway Station stop, down Drake Street to the new town centre stop.

The VIP passengers disembark form the tram at the town centre Metrolink stop

Councillor Lambert said: “It is always pleasant to make that first journey. This is something that has come in line with the redevelopment of Rochdale and is a huge step for Rochdale Town Centre. This is now something that is needed in other areas of the borough.”

The Metrolink line will open to passengers on Monday 31 March with the first tram leaving from the Smith Street stop at 5:53am with trams running every 12 minutes.

It is understood that the last trams to travel along Drake Street were in the 1930s.

Tram on Drake Street in the 1930s

Despite what seems to have been a long wait, the opening of the Metrolink is opening to schedule. Councillor Lambert added: “There have been some teething problems and there have been some issues but I think the response on Monday should hopefully show that it has all been worth it.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of Transport for Greater Manchester was also on board the tram this morning and added: “We always anticipated a spring opening so we are opening on schedule. I think everything is looking good. I walked to the station stop this morning and think everything has
come together and looks great.”

As well as riding the Metrolink into the town centre, passengers on board the special trip were also given the opportunity to use the Metrolink simulator used by drivers as part of their training. Whilst on the simulator, those driving could drive along the route from the Railway Station stop to the Smith Street stop.