Manchester Metrolink: Difference between revisions

|box_width = 325px

|name = Metrolink

|image = Manchester Metrolink 2008 logo.png

|imagesize = 225px

|image2 = Greater Manchester Metrolink - tram 3009A.jpg

|imagesize2 = 300px

|caption2 = [[M5000]] at [[Exchange Quay Metrolink station]]<br>in August 2011

|locale = [[Greater Manchester]]

|lines = 6 (2 under construction)

|stations = 77

|annual_ridership =29.2 million (2013/14)

|headquarters = Metrolink House<br />Queens Road<br />[[Cheetham Hill]]<br />Manchester<br /> England

|owner = [[Transport for Greater Manchester]]

|train_length = {{convert|28.4|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|top_speed = {{convert|50|mph|kph|abbr=on}}

A light rail system for [[Greater Manchester]] was born of a desire by the [[Greater Manchester County Council]] to fulfil its obligations to provide "an integrated and efficient system of public transport" under its [[structure plan]] and the [[Transport Act 1968]].{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}} Greater Manchester's public transport network suffered from poor north – south connections, exacerbated by the location of [[Manchester]]'s main railway stations, [[Manchester Piccadilly station|Piccadilly]] and [[Manchester Victoria station|Victoria]],{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=4}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} which were unconnected and located at opposite ends of the [[Manchester city centre|city centre]].{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} Piccadilly and Victoria were built in the 1840s by rival companies on cheaper land on the fringes of the city centre, resulting in poor integration and access to the central business zone.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=4}}

[[File:Delta junction, Manchester - geograph.org.uk - 737228.jpg|thumb|left|Construction work at [[Piccadilly Gardens]] in 1991]]

Conversion of the [[East Lancashire Railway 1844–1859|East Lancashire Railway]] (Bury-to-Victoria) and [[Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway]] (Altrincham-to-Piccadilly) heavy rail lines, and creation of a street-level tramway{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=74}} through Manchester city centre to unite the lines as a single {{convert|19|mi|km|adj=on}} network,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=17}} was chosen for Phase 1 because the two heavy rail lines were primarily used for commuting to central Manchester, and would improve north – south links and access to the city centre.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=17}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=73}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=56}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|pp=14–15}} The required parliamentary authority to proceed with Phase 1 was obtained with two Acts of Parliament – the Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) Act 1988 and Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (No. 2) Act 1988.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=30–31}}

On 27 September 1989, following a two-stage tender exercise, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority awarded a contract to the GMA Group (a consortium composed of [[AMEC]], [[GM Buses]], John Mowlem and Company, and a [[General Electric Company plc|General Electric Company]] subsidiary){{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=51}} who formed [[Greater Manchester Metrolink Limited]] to design, build, operate and maintain Phase 1 of Metrolink.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=47}} The contract was approved by Minister for Transport [[Michael Portillo]] on behalf of the [[Department for Transport]] on 24 October 1989, and formally signed on 6 June 1990.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=47}}

The [[East Lancashire Railway 1844–1859|Bury line]] closed in stages between 13 July 1991 and 17 August 1991, after which the 1200V DC [[third rail]] electrified line was adapted for a 750V DC [[overhead line]] operation.<ref name=evo>{{cite news |url= http://www.therailengineer.com/2011/11/30/manchester-metrolink-20-years-of-evolution/ |work=The Rail Engineer |title=Manchester Metrolink 20 Years of Evolution |first=Clive |last=Kessell |date=30 November 2011 |accessdate=2 January 2013}}</ref> In Manchester city centre, a tramway – built with network expansion in mind{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=94}} – from Victoria to Piccadilly via [[Market Street, Manchester|Market Street]] and [[Piccadilly Gardens]] connected [[Bury]] to [[Altrincham]] via the city centre. The overhead structures and wiring of the Altrincham line were adapted for light rail.<ref name=evo/> As well as upgrades to signalling and stations on the network, a combined headquarters, depot and control centre was built at [[Cheetham Hill]] on [[Queens Road Metrolink station|Queens Road]], north of Victoria station,<ref name=evo/> at a cost of £8 million (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|8000000|1991|r=-5}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}{{Inflation-fn|UK}}).{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=53}}

Initially projected to open in September 1991,{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=87}} Metrolink began operation on 6 April 1992 with a service between Victoria and Bury.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=82}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} Along with the [[Tyne and Wear Metro]] and [[Docklands Light Railway]], it helped to reintroduce light rail to the United Kingdom.<ref name="The History of Tramways and Evolution of Light Rail">{{cite web |url= http://www.lrta.org/mrthistory.html |title=The History of Tramways and Evolution of Light Rail|publisher= Light Rail Transit Association}}</ref>{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=147}} It also became the first modern tram network in the United Kingdom; the [[Blackpool tramway]] being the UK's only traditional tramway which endured up to the Metrolink's creation.<ref name="Manchester Metrolink, United Kingdom">{{cite web |url= http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester|title=Manchester Metrolink, United Kingdom|publisher= railway-technology.com}}</ref> The network was expanded beyond Victoria to [[Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station|G-Mex Metrolink station]] on 27 April 1992; with the line opened through to [[Altrincham Interchange|Altrincham]] on 15 June 1992,{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} completing Phase 1 and enabling use of all 26 [[T-68]] tramss acquired for the operation.<ref name=evo/>{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=9}} On 17 July 1992 [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] officially opened Metrolink at a ceremony.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=9}}<ref name=oldest>{{cite news |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18867824 |date=17 July 2012 |title= Manchester's oldest Metrolink trams to be replaced |accessdate=20 January 2013 |work= BBC News }}</ref> After the ceremony the Queen visited [[Manchester Town Hall]] and rode from [[St Peter's Square Metrolink station|St Peter's Square]] to [[Bury Interchange|Bury]] to visit Bury Town Hall.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=9}}

Then costing £145 million (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|145000000|1992|r=-5}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}{{Inflation-fn|UK}}){{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} Phase 1 was expected to carry 10 million passengers per year,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=13}} but surpassed this figure by the 1993/94 [[fiscal year]], and every year thereafter.<ref name=stats>{{cite web |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-2013-to-2014|at=Light rail and tram statistics 2013/14 and XLS tables (Table LRT0101) |accessdate=18 June 2014 |date=18 June 2014 |title=Light rail and tram statistics: 2013/14 |publisher= Department for Transport}}</ref> In recognition of passenger demands and the decommissioning of the Arndale bus station after the [[1996 Manchester bombing]], adjustments were made to Phase 1 to the design of [[Manchester City Council]]'s city centre masterplan, by modifying [[Market Street Metrolink station]] to handle two-way traffic, demolishing [[High Street Metrolink station]] in 1998 and creating a new stop for [[Shudehill Interchange]] in 2002.{{sfn|Williams|2003|pp=276–277}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=290}} Sections of track in the city centre were relaid following damage to the road surface adjacent to the line.<ref>{{cite journal| title=Design, build, operate and maintain contract as applied to Manchester's Metrolink| last=Hall|first= J.R.| journal=Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Transport| volume= 111| issue= 4| pages= 310–313|date=November 1995| issn=0965092X| publisher=Thomas Telford| doi=10.1680/itran.1995.28033}}</ref> By 2003, Phase 1 was deemed a "long-term success" by GMPTE, and, with overcrowding at peak times, carried more than 15 million passengers per year.{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=13}}<ref name=catchup/>

Extension of the Metrolink network was intended to be continuous with successive expansion phases delivered in strict order of priority.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=63}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=91}} GMPTE wanted to repeat its success with Phase 1 by converting other parts of Greater Manchester's under-utilised suburban rail network.{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=275}} However, changes in circumstances and new opportunities, combined with a shift in government policy following the [[early 1990s recession]] stalled the immediate expansion of Metrolink after Phase 1.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=91}}{{sfn|Docherty|Shaw|2011|}} Phase 1a, a proposed east – west route from Eastlands to [[Dumplington]] via [[Salford Quays]] was muted by uncertainty surrounding the [[Manchester bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics]], the (unbuilt) [[Trafford Centre]], and regeneration of [[Manchester Docks]] respectively.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=63}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=148}} Nevertheless, throughout the 1990s, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority continued to acquire rights to construct Metrolink lines under the [[Transport and Works Act 1992]].{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}

|title= Salford Quays Milestones: The Story of Salford Quays |publisher= Salford City Council |accessdate=3 January 2013 |year=2008}}</ref> As it had poor public transport integration and no rail provision, it was earmarked for a potential Metrolink line as early as 1986 and legal authority to construct the line through the Quays was acquired in 1990.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}} The Quays received millions of pounds of investment and a public consultation and [[public inquiry]] resulted in government endorsement in 1994. In autumn 1995 a {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on}} Metrolink line branching from [[Cornbrook Metrolink station]] to [[Eccles, Greater Manchester|Eccles]] via Salford Quays capitalising on the regenerated Quayside was confirmed as Phase 2 of Metrolink.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}<ref name=evo/>{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}} No funding came from central government and money was raised from the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA), the [[European Regional Development Fund]] and private developers.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}} In April 1997 Altram, a consortium of [[Serco Group]], [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Gio Ansaldo & C]] and [[John Laing]] was appointed to construct the Eccles Line; Serco, responsible for the [[Supertram (Sheffield)|Sheffield Supertram]] would operate the whole network under contract; Ansaldo provided six additional [[T-68]]A trams and signalling equipment. Construction work began on 17 July 1997.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}}<ref name=metuk>{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester/|publisher=railway-technology.com|accessdate=10 January 2013|title=Manchester Metrolink, United Kingdom}}</ref>

The Eccles Line was opened as far as [[Broadway Metrolink station]] on 6 December 1999 by the Prime Minister, [[Tony Blair]],{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=13}}<ref name=fury>{{cite news |url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/aug/02/transport.politics |title= Tram fury rattles ministers |first=David |last=Ward |date=2 August 2004 |accessdate=5 January 2013 |work=The Guardian |location= London}}</ref> the line opened to [[Eccles Interchange]] on 21 July 2000,<ref name=evo/>{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} and was officially declared open by [[Anne, Princess Royal]] at a ceremony on 9 January 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/42018_whistlestop_princess_takes_home_hat_souvenir_ |work=Manchester Evening News |date=9 January 2001 |accessdate=8 January 2013 |title= Whistle-stop Princess takes home hat souvenir}}</ref> On completion, Phases 1 and 2 gave Metrolink a total route length of {{convert|24|mi|km}}.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-money-for-uk-light-rail.html |title=More money for UK light rail |work=Railway Gazette International |location =London |date=1 January 2003 |accessdate=13 January 2013}}</ref> Phase 2 was predominantly privately funded and cost £160,000,000 (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|160000000|2000|r=-4}}|0}} as of {{CURRENTYEAR}}).{{Inflation-fn|UK}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} Salford City Council considered Phase 2 "an important contribution to Salford's public transport network, providing a fast and frequent service between Eccles, Salford Quays and Manchester city centre".<ref name=saldel>{{cite web |url= http://www.salford.gov.uk/d/salford-idp-light-rail.pdf |publisher= Salford City Council |title=Salford Infrastructure Delivery Plan |date=February 2012 |accessdate=22 January 2013}}</ref> But, in competition with comparatively quicker and cheaper buses, the line navigated the Quays on a slow and meandering route, and failed to reach its initial passenger targets.{{sfn|Docherty|Shaw|2011|}} Patronage increased during the 2000s as the Eccles Line steadily increased in popularity in keeping with a rise in passenger numbers across the whole Metrolink system and was beginning to become overcrowded by the end of the decade.<ref name=saldel/>

In 2000, officials and transport planners in Greater Manchester considered Metrolink to be a "phenomenal success".{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} The system was exceeding patronage targets and reducing [[traffic congestion]] on roads running parallel to its lines.{{sfn|Docherty|Shaw|2011|}} Consequently, when the [[Transport Act 2000]] required [[passenger transport executive]]s to produce [[local transport plan]]s, GMPTE's top public transport priority was a third phase of Metrolink expansion, which would create four new lines along key transport corridors in Greater Manchester: the Oldham and Rochdale Line (routed northeast to [[Oldham]] and [[Rochdale]]), the East Manchester Line (routed east to East Manchester and [[Ashton-under-Lyne]]), the South Manchester Line (routed southeast to [[Chorlton-cum-Hardy]] and [[Didsbury|East Didsbury]]), and the Airport Line (routed south to [[Wythenshawe]] and [[Manchester Airport]]).<ref name=plan2>{{cite web |url= http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/GMLTP/LTP2.pdf |title=Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2 |date=March 2006 |accessdate=5 January 2013 |publisher= Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority}}</ref> The East Manchester Line would capitalise on serving the [[City of Manchester Stadium]], a host venue of the [[2002 Commonwealth Games]].<ref>{{cite press release |author=GMPTE|authorlink=Transport for Greater Manchester |title=Metrolink is coming&nbsp;... |year=2000 |publisher=GMPTE Promotions |location=Manchester |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=15 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=bang/> Satisfied it would deliver a key policy commitment with faster expansion and greater value from [[economies of scale]],{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=13}} GMPTE and the [[Association of Greater Manchester Authorities]] (AGMA) lobbied central government to provide partial funding to upgrade the current network with a new depot, [[Passenger information system|passenger information displays]], and construct four new lines in a single Phase 3 contract (dubbed the "Big Bang") worth £489 million.<ref name=500tram/><ref name=evo/><ref name=bang/><ref name=planb/><ref name=ann>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/5152948.stm |title= Metrolink extension is announced |date=6 July 2006 |accessdate=7 January 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

Conceding that it would be difficult to bring Metrolink to the [[City of Manchester Stadium]] by 2002, the Government accepted its importance to Greater Manchester and the Commonwealth Games on 22 March 2000, with an announcement from Deputy Prime Minister [[John Prescott]] that a £289 million government contribution to fund Phase 3.<ref name=500tram>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/687277.stm |title= £500m tram extension unveiled |work=BBC News |date=22 March 2000 |accessdate=5 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=bang>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/11937_289m_for_metrolink_big_bang |work= Manchester Evening News |accessdate=5 January 2013 |date=22 March 2000 |title=£289m for Metrolink 'Big Bang'}}</ref><ref name=bring/> The remaining £200 million was provided by the private sector by July 2000.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000|}}<ref name=bang/> Following the announcement, preparatory work such as legal costs, land acquisition and construction of rail bridges over the [[River Medlock]] was actioned.<ref name=ann/><ref name=bring>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/182/182478_bring_on_the_metro_urges_bridge_boss.html |title=Bring on the Metro, urges bridge boss |first=Clarissa |last=Satchell |date=17 November 2005 |accessdate=19 January 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> However, Metrolink made a loss in 2002 and failed to reduce traffic congestion in Manchester city centre.<ref name=fail>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/98/98124_trams_fail_to_cut_jams.html |title= Trams fail to cut jams |work=Manchester Evening News |date=23 April 2004 |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> Costs for Phase 3 implementation were revised in the December after the 2002 Commonwealth Games, totalling £820 million meaning Metrolink required a Government contribution of at least £520 million.<ref name=fury/> With costs predicted to rise further, and concerns raised over light rail procurement nationally,{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}} on 20 July 2004, [[Secretary of State for Transport]] [[Alistair Darling]] announced the Government had withdrawn its share of funding Metrolink due to excessive costs.<ref name=fury/><ref name=ann/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3910235.stm |title=Government scraps trams extension |date=20 July 2004 |work=BBC News |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref>

In response, highlighting the legal costs and demolition of homes, schools and offices in anticipation of the new lines,<ref name=ann/><ref name=bring/> the ''Get Our Metrolink Back on Track'' (or ''Back on Track'' )<ref name=planb/> campaign spearheaded by the ''[[Manchester Evening News]]'' and [[Member of Parliament|Members of Parliament]] from Greater Manchester was organised to lobby the [[Department for Transport]] to fund Phase 3.<ref name=ann/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}}<ref name=moving/><ref name=oldhamsuccess>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588852_oldham-metrolink-line-a-huge-success-with-250000-passengers-in-first-three-months |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=8 January 2013 |date=15 September 2012 |title=Oldham Metrolink line a huge success with 250,000 passengers in first three months}}</ref> On 16 December 2004 Alistair Darling announced that the government would fund Phase 3 – but not at any price, capping its investment for Metrolink enhancements at £520 million.<ref name=ann/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}} An initial £102 million funding package was granted by the Government in July 2005 for Phase 3 preparatory work, and a [[Carillion]]-led track renewal programme for {{convert|12|mi|km|}} of Phase 1 line – still using original British Rail track – that was causing damage to vehicles and discomfort for passengers.<ref name=catchup/> Following negotiations between central government and GMPTE and AGMA, Phase 3 funding was confirmed by [[Douglas Alexander]] on 6 July 2006,<ref name=ann/> albeit with adjustments (such as axing the Wythenshawe Loop)<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4120216.stm |title=Metrolink 'to axe hospital route' |work=BBC News |date=22 June 2005 |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> and splitting the project into two stages: Phase 3a, elements of expansion funded by government investment; and Phase 3b, elements requiring an alternative funding source.<ref name=planb>{{cite news |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/05/13/130509_metrolink_map_plan_b_feature.shtml |title=Metrolink: back on track? |date=13 May 2009 |accessdate=19 January 2013 |work=BBC News}}</ref>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}} The MPact-Thales consortium, composed of [[Laing O'Rourke]], [[VolkerRail]] and the [[Thales Group]], was appointed to design, build and maintain the {{convert|20|mi|km|}} of new line plus a new depot at [[Old Trafford, Greater Manchester|Old Trafford]].<ref name=evo/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}} A {{convert|0.25|mi|km|adj=on}} spur off the Eccles Line to the new [[MediaCityUK]] development at Salford Quays, funded separately by the [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] (NWRDA), would also fall to Mpact-Thales.<ref name=evo/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}}<ref name=metuk/>

Tasked with procuring funds for Phase 3b from sources other than central Government, in July 2007 GMPTE and AGMA submitted a bid to the [[Transport Innovation Fund]], which would release a multi-million pound sum for public transport improvements linked to viable anti-road traffic congestion strategies.{{sfn|Young|2008|p=160}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/Metrolink_Newsletter_260608.pdf |title=The Link |publisher= Transport for Greater Manchester |year=2008 |accessdate=15 January 2013}}</ref> A referendum on the [[Greater Manchester Transport Innovation Fund]] was held in Greater Manchester on 19 December 2008,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7588142.stm |work=BBC News |title=Date set for C-charge referendum |date=29 September 2008 |accessdate=5 January 2010}}</ref> in which 79% of voters rejected plans for public transport improvements linked to a peak-time weekday-only [[Greater Manchester congestion charge]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/dec/12/congestioncharging-transport |title=Manchester says no to congestion charging |last=Sturcke |first=James |date=12 December 2008 |work=The Guardian |location=London |accessdate=12 December 2008}}</ref> In May 2009, Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (formerly GMPTA) and AGMA agreed to create the Greater Manchester Transport Fund, £1.5billion raised from a combination of a levy on [[council tax]] in Greater Manchester, government grants, contributions from the [[Manchester Airports Group]], Metrolink fares and third-party funding for "major transport schemes" in the region.{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=14}}<ref name=3bcon>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-phase-3b-confirmed.html |date=5 August 2010 |accessdate=19 January 2013 |title=Manchester Metrolink Phase 3b confirmed |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London}}</ref> Phase 3b was approved with funding on a line-by-line basis between March and August 2010.<ref name=ashdids/><ref name=3bcon/> Construction work for all Phase 3b lines began in March 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-starts-phase-3b.html |title=Manchester Metrolink starts Phase 3b |date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=19 January 2013 |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London}}</ref> On the Airport Line, a 580-tonne steel bridge was erected in [[Wythenshawe]] over the [[M56 motorway]] on 25 November 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/giant-construction-project-to-position-580-tonne-697695 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=25 November 2012 |accessdate=16 February 2013 |title= Giant construction project to position 580-tonne bridge over M56 completed eight hours early |first=Paul |last=Britton}}</ref> Following the closure of [[Mosley Street Metrolink station]] on 17 May 2013,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-city-centre-tram-stop-3658102 |date=12 May 2013 |accessdate=17 May 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News |title= Manchester city centre tram stop reaches the end of the line |first=Dean |last=Kirby}}</ref> the {{convert|2.7|mi|km|adj=on}} route of the South Manchester Line from St Werburgh's Road to [[East Didsbury Metrolink station]] was the first section of Phase 3b line to open on 23 May 2013 - three months ahead of schedule.<ref name=EastDids/><ref name=dest>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/destination-didsbury-metrolink-trams-start-4001522 |title=Destination Didsbury – Metrolink trams to start tomorrow, three months early |first=Dean |last=Kirby |date=22 May 2013 |accessdate=22 May 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> The East Manchester Line was completed on 9 October 2013 with a new service routed {{convert|2.1|mi|km}} between Droylsden and [[Ashton-under-Lyne Metrolink station]], taking the total system length to {{convert|47.7|mi|km}}.<ref name="AshtonOpen">{{cite press release |url= http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=330|publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |title=New Metrolink service to Ashton opens |date=9 October 2013 |accessdate=9 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-tram-service-launches-ashton-under-lyne-6161044|title=Metrolink tram service launches from Ashton-under-Lyne... and it's on time|first=Emily|last=Kent-Smith|date=9 October 2013|accessdate=9 October 2013|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref name=newash>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-tram-service-ashton-under-lyne-start-6107476|work=Manchester Evening News|date=28 September 2013|first=Paul|last=Britton|title=Metrolink service to Ashton-under-Lyne to start on October 9|accessdate=9 October 2013}}</ref> The Oldham and Rochdale Line was completed with a street-running service through Oldham Town Centre on 27 January 2014,<ref name=OTC>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/oldham-metrolink-line-things-see-6603983|work=Manchester Evening News|date=27 January 2014|accessdate=31 March 2014|title=Landmarks on the new Oldham Metrolink line, and a driver's eye view tour of the route|first=Emma|last=Flanagan}}</ref> and the addition of a street-running service between Rochdale railway station and [[Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink station|Rochdale Town Centre]] on 31 March 2014, taking the total system length to {{convert|48.5|mi|km}}.<ref name=RTC>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/rochdales-first-passenger-tram-80-6897266 |work=Manchester Evening News|date=31 March 2014|accessdate=31 March 2014|title=Passenger trams start running to and from Rochdale town centre for first time in 80 years|first=John|last=Scheerhout}}</ref>

The Second City Crossing (also known as 2CC)<ref name=2cc>{{cite news |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13684701 |work= BBC News |title=Metrolink second city crossing 'vital' for Manchester |date=8 June 2011 |accessdate=7 January 2013}}</ref> is a second Metrolink route across Manchester city centre, first proposed in 2011 as a means to improve capacity, flexibility and reliability as the rest of the system expands due to phases 3a and 3b.<ref name=saldel/><ref name=2cc/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=84}}<ref name=metuk/><ref name=mini>{{cite news|url=http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/14501-ministers-clear-way-for-second-city-centre-metrolink-line.html|work=Place North West|date=7 October 2013|accessdate=7 October 2013|title=Ministers clear way for second city centre Metrolink line}}</ref> Funded by the Greater Manchester Transport Fund, its {{convert|0.8|mi|km|adj=on}} route will begin at a rebuilt [[St Peter's Square Metrolink station]], and run along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street to rejoin the existing Metrolink line by Victoria station.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=84}}<ref name=vital/> Following the submission of a planning document under the [[Transport and Works Act 1992]], and a [[public inquiry]] held throughout 2013,<ref name=vital>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/a-second-metrolink-crossing-through-manchester-1236393 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=23 January 2013 |accessdate=23 January 2013 |title=New city line is 'vital for future of Metrolink' |first=Yakub |last=Qureshi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1598672_cross-city-metrolink-idea-on-the-line-as-tram-inquiry-launched |work=Manchester Evening News |first=Dean |last=Kirby |date=22 January 2013 |accessdate=23 January 2013 |title=Cross-city Metrolink idea on the line as tram inquiry launched}}</ref> the Second City Crossing was granted approval on 8 October 2013 by the [[Secretary of State for Transport]], [[Patrick McLoughlin]],<ref name=mini/><ref name=bbc2ccgranted>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24438347 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=8 October 2013 |accessdate=8 October 2013 |title=Manchester city centre tram route's green light by Government}}</ref> and signed off on 28 October 2013 by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.<ref name=sec>{{cite news| url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/second-cross-city-metrolink-tram-link-6247586| title=Second cross-city tram link gets green light |work=Manchester Evening News| date = 28 October 2013| accessdate= 28 October 2013|first = Jennifer| last=Williams|}}</ref> Construction commenced in 2014, with [[Exchange Square Metrolink station]] joining the network as a new stop on the crossing; a |[[Shaw and Crompton Metrolink station|Shaw and Crompton]] to Exchange Square service is to join the network in 2015 with completion of the scheme expected in 2016/17.<ref name=2cc/><ref name=bbc2ccgranted/><ref name=sec/>

Metrolink is run as a [[public-private partnership]] between TfGM and private transport firms.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} Between 1992 and 2007 Metrolink was operated and maintained as a concession by [[Serco Group|Serco]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1454330_stagecoach-hand-over-control-of-metrolink-system-to-french-firm-ratp |title=Stagecoach hand over control of Metrolink system to French firm RATP |work=Manchester Evening News |date=2 August 2011 |last=Kirby |first=Dean}}</ref> In July 2007 [[Stagecoach Group|Stagecoach]] commenced a ten year contract to run the system.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/media/news-releases/2007/2007-05-29.aspx |title=Stagecoach signs Manchester Metrolink contract |date=29 May 2007 |publisher=[[Stagecoach Group]] |accessdate=28 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6899507.stm |title=Stagecoach take over tram service |date=15 July 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2008 |work=BBC News}}</ref> On 1 August 2011 [[RATP Group]] bought the balance of the Metrolink contract from Stagecoach.<ref name=saldel/><ref name=firm/><ref name=rgi20110802>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/ratp-buys-manchester-metrolink-operator.html |title=RATP buys Manchester Metrolink operator |date=2 August 2011 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location =London}}</ref>

Metrolink has been a "Football Development Partner" with the [[Manchester Football Association]] since August 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.manchesterfa.com/partners-pages/partners/metrolink |title=Metrolink |publisher= [[Manchester Football Association]] |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> meaning it is the association's Official Travel Partner, and supports grassroots [[List of football clubs in Greater Manchester|association football in Greater Manchester]] by selecting a "Team of the Month".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/1590313_team-of-the-month-swinton-fc |title= Team of the month: Swinton FC |work=Manchester Evening News |date=3 October 2012 |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> Metrolink is a sponsor of the annual Manchester Food and Drink Festival.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/s/1327221_metrolink_offers_travel_pass_for_food_and_drink_festival |title=Metrolink offers travel pass for Food and Drink Festival |work=Manchester Evening News |date=17 September 2010 |accessdate=19 January 2013 |first=Pete |last=Bainbridge}}</ref> On 6 December 2010, to celebrate the soap opera's 50th anniversary, ''[[Coronation Street]]'' featured a storyline with an explosion which caused a crash on the Metrolink system at [[Weatherfield]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11935407 |title=Coronation Street tram crash pulls in 13m viewers |date=7 December 2010 |work=BBC News |accessdate=23 January 2013}}</ref> Although a fictitious event, at least six calls were made to GMPTE asking if services had been affected.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/are-the-trams-still-running-confused-viewers-904643 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=8 December 2010 |accessdate=23 January 2013 |title=Are the trams still running?: 'Confused' viewers called Metrolink to check service after Coronation Street crash |first=Dean |last=Kirby}}</ref>

| {{convert|7.6|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=73}}

| {{convert|9.9|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=73}}

| {{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=73}}

| {{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=count/><ref name=newash/><ref name=prev>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/droylsden-east-manchester-metrolink-line-1295847 |work=Manchester Evening News |first=Dean |last=Kirby |title=Video: Sneak preview of Metrolink's brand new East Manchester Line to Droylsden |date=6 February 2013 |accessdate=6 February 2013}}</ref>

| {{convert|4|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=15}}

| {{convert|14.8|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2010|p=7}}<ref name=RTC/>

| {{convert|4.4|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=23}}<ref name=EastDids/>

[[File:T68 and M5000.JPG|thumb|[[St Peter's Square Metrolink station]], with a [[T-68]] and [[M5000]] in May 2013]]

{{double image|right|Shudehill Interchange, at night.jpg|175|Geograph-2206116-by-David-Dixon.jpg|175|alt=|Metrolink operating at night (left) and in December snow (right), at [[Shudehill Interchange|Shudehill]] and [[Radcliffe Metrolink station|Radcliffe]] respectively.||}}

* [[East Didsbury Metrolink station|East Didsbury]] ({{Rail-interchange|gb|rail}}<small>{{rws|East Didsbury}}</small>)

* [[Altrincham Interchange|Altrincham]] – [[Bury Interchange|Bury]]: every 12 minutes

* [[Bury Interchange|Bury]] – [[Abraham Moss Metrolink station|Abraham Moss]]: every 12 minutes (daytime only)

* [[Eccles Metrolink station|Eccles]] – [[Ashton-under-Lyne Metrolink station|Ashton-under-Lyne]]: every 12 minutes

* [[Altrincham Interchange|Altrincham]] – [[Bury Interchange|Bury]]: every 12 minutes

* [[Eccles Metrolink station|Eccles]] – [[Ashton-under-Lyne Metrolink station|Ashton-under-Lyne]] via [[MediaCityUK Metrolink station|MediaCityUK]]: every 12 minutes {{FormatTime|10|00|17|00}}, every 15 minutes at other times

Metrolink fares were originally set by the system's operator,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=124–127}} but are now set by the TfGM Committee at levels that cover both the running costs and the cost of borrowing that has part-funded the expansion of the system;{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} Metrolink receives no public subsidy.<ref name=greatbreak/>{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=126}} Fares typically rise each January above the rate of inflation.<ref name=zone/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11787624 |title=Call to rethink rise in Greater Manchester tram fares |date=18 November 2010 |accessdate=20 January 2013 |work= BBC News}}</ref> The fare tariff is based on a division of the network's stations into fare zones.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=128}} Persons under 16 years of age, persons of [[pension]]able age, and people with disabilities qualify for concessionary fares, some of which are mandatory and others discretionary, as determined by the [[Greater Manchester Combined Authority]].{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} The Greater Manchester Combined Authority permits reduced fares for persons under 16 years of age, and free or reduced fares on Metrolink after {{FormatTime|9|30}} for pensioners.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} In normal circumstances, tickets cannot be purchased on board Metrolink vehicles, and must be purchased from a ticket vending machine before boarding the vehicle.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=83}} Fare evasion in 2006 was estimated at 2–6% of all users,<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Laurent| last1=Dauby| first2=Zoltan| last2=Kovacs |date=January 2007 |title=Fare Evasion in Light Rail Systems |journal=Transportation Research Circular |issue= E-C112 – Proceedings Joint International Light Rail Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, 9–11 April 2006 |pages=230–247 |location= Washington, DC |publisher=Transportation Research Board |issn=0097-8515 |accessdate= 21 January 2013 |url= http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec112.pdf}}</ref> and in 2012 at 2.5% of all users.<ref name=fare>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-bosses-track-halt-900-4749691|title=Metrolink bosses on track to halt the 900 fare dodgers|date=29 June 2013|accessdate=30 June 2013|first=Charlotte|last=Cox|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Checking tickets and passes and issuing [[penalty fare]]s is the responsibility of Metrolink's Passenger Services Representatives (PSRs), who provide security and assistance on the network;{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=20}}<ref name=fare/> between 1992 and 2008, [[Greater Manchester Police]] had a dedicated Metrolink unit responsible for policing the system.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/racist-attack-prakash-devyani-patel-1761509 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=19 March 2013 |last=Cox |first=Charlotte |accessdate=19 March 2013 |title=Racist attack on dad and daughter sparks tram policing review}}</ref> The original ticket vending machines were designed by [[Thorn EMI]].{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=128}} In 2005 GMPTE announced that rail passengers travelling from within Greater Manchester into Manchester city centre can use the Metrolink service between the eight City Zone stations for free.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Free tram rides for train riders |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4385122.stm |work=BBC News |date=28 October 2005 |accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref> Passengers must present a valid rail ticket, correctly dated with [[Manchester station group|Manchester Ctlz]] as the destination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Freedom of the City |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Pages/Freedom-of-the-city.aspx |publisher= Transport for Greater Manchester |accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Freedom of the City |page=4 |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Information/11-0807-CTLZ-2011-Campaign-A5-AW.pdf |publisher= Transport for Greater Manchester |accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref> In 2007 TfGM rolled out new ticket vending machines, designed to accept credit/debit card payments and permit the purchase of multiple tickets in a single transaction.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=79}} These were replaced in 2009 with [[touchscreen]] machines, designed with the [[Scheidt & Bachmann Ticket XPress]] system.{{sfn|GMPTE|2009|p=4}} In October 2012, TfGM announced it was devising a simpler zonal fare system, comparable to [[London fare zones]], and preparing to introduce [[Get Me There]], the region's new contactless smartcard, for use on all public transport modes in Greater Manchester, including Metrolink.<ref name=zone>{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1590961_metrolink-set-to-move-to-new-zone-ticket-prices |title=Metrolink set to move to new 'zone' ticket prices |work=Manchester Evening News |date=11 October 2012 |accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> This is being rolled out in stages, with holders of National Concessionary Travel Passes to be the first to be able to use Get Me there, after trial users.<ref>http://www.getmethere.com/when-its-arriving.php</ref>

The Department for Transport reported passenger journeys for the 2013/14 [[fiscal year]] at 29.2 million; up from 25 million the previous year.<ref name=stats/> Patronage rose steadily in the years following the Phase 1 system's opening, from a start-point of 8.1 million in the 1992/93 fiscal year to 14.2 million in 1999/2000.<ref name=stats/> Two years of more rapid increase followed the opening of the Phase 2 extensions; succeeded by another period of fairly steady increase to 21.1 million journeys in 2008/09; although numbers then fell to 19.6 million in the 2009/10 fiscal year.<ref name=stats/> Metrolink revised its method for calculating passenger boardings in 2010/11, meaning figures from that year onwards are not directly comparable with previous years; while the rapid increases in patronage since 2011/12 largely reflect the ongoing Phase 3 expansion programme.<ref name=statsrelease/>

| colspan="16" style="background:#fff; font-size:90%;"|Estimates provided by TfGM to the [[Department for Transport]],<ref name=statsrelease/> based on sales from ticket machines.{{#tag:ref|Estimates excludes free travel such as Concessionary Bus Pass for pensioners and tickets sold through other vendors.<ref name=stats/>|group=note}}

[[Category:1992 establishments in England]]