Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) recorded its busiest ever day on the city-region’s Metrolink network on Sunday 19th April, with more than 200,000 travelling by tram on the day of the Manchester Marathon.
The race was already setting records with 42,000 taking to the streets of Greater Manchester, and an estimated 150,000 spectators lining the route to cheer on runners.
Metrolink played a crucial role in helping competitors and supporters access the race route through Manchester and neighbouring Trafford, with services exceptionally busy throughout the day. In total, trams carried 202,437 people across Sunday, a 97% increase on the 102,594 journeys recorded on the day of the Manchester Marathon in 2021.
Records were also set elsewhere with 2,540 rides taken using Starling Bank cycle hire bikes, the most recorded on a Sunday since the scheme was launched. In comparison 2,373 rides were taken on the day of last year’s marathon.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said:
“From the record numbers of people taking part to the milestones we marked across Metrolink and cycle hire, we are delighted that this year’s Manchester Marathon was a huge success and want to congratulate everyone who took part on the day.
“The demand for our bikes and trams on Sunday shows just how essential the network is when it comes to supporting major events and helping residents and visitors get around safely.
“We worked hard with event organisers, operators and other partners to carefully plan for the Marathon and I want to thank everyone behind the scenes for their work on supporting another fantastic event, and for everyone who travelled with us and was part of a record-breaking Sunday.”
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