Greater Manchester to receive funding to continue Metrolink support

Greater Manchester is to secure funding over the next 12 weeks to support Metrolink to continue to run essential services in the face of reduced revenue from ticket sales.

Metrolink is one of six light rail networks to receive a share of £35.4 million in funding to continue serving communities in Greater Manchester. Other tram networks to receive government support include Sheffield Supertram, the Tyne & Wear Metro, Nottingham Express Transit, West Midlands Metro and the Blackpool Tramway. Enhanced Tier 2 or Tier 3 coronavirus alert level restrictions are in place in all six locations.

Greater Manchester Metrolink is set to receive £17.5 million over the next 12 weeks, with a further share of £32.4 million made available subject to local authorities agreeing measures to reduce the need for further subsidies. Annually, light rail and tram networks outside London accounted for 119 million passenger journeys per year, however they have suffered a significant hit to revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown and guidance to work from home and reduce public transport use.

Light Rail Minister Baroness Vere said:

Trams serve as a vital link for communities in the North and Midlands – whether it’s to get to local shops, school or work, we know many people rely on these services every day. That’s why we’re continuing to fund services so that they can operate safely during the pandemic. Passengers across the North and Midlands will continue to have access to the services they need.”

Work is currently underway following an announcement last year to explore the feasibility of extending the Metrolink network into Stockport Town Centre’s new Transport Interchange on the South Manchester line to East Didsbury.