Manchester Metrolink benefits from government light rail support

The government has announced it will provide funding for urban light rail networks across the UK, including Greater Manchester’s Metrolink, in order to continue providing transport for key workers.

The support package will ensure the network can continue operating, and will secure its future and expansion plans to bring the Metrolink into Stockport in the coming decade.

The full support package from government has yet to finalised, but comes following comments from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham that the tram network would be mothballed after monthly revenues fell £5 million as the majority of the city-region’s workers are now working from home. Similar systems across the UK such as Sheffield’s Supertram also faced substantial drops in passenger numbers while continuing to operate for key workers.

In the government’s daily coronavirus press briefing on 24th April, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that steps would be taken to shore up these light rail systems to enable routes for key workers would remain open.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has welcomed the news, but called for further details on what form the funding will take. He said:

I am pleased this has been recognised by the government and welcome their commitment to… light rail networks around the country.

“However, we urgently need the detail of this funding, as well as the funding itself, so we can ensure these vital services can continue to run during the lockdown period.

Mr Burnham also said that Metrolink is already looking at what services will look like in Greater Manchester once social distancing restrictions are relaxed. He added:

“The road to recovery is going to be a very long one, and we are already stressing to government the financial help that will be needed throughout 2020 and beyond.”