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Greater Manchester’s Metrolink network enjoyed its busiest ever month in May, with 4.1 million choosing to travel by tram, breaking its previous record of 4 million passengers set in November 2019.
May’s performance was boosted by a bumper month for high profile events across the city-region, including the Great Manchester Run, Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning parade and concerts at the newly opened Co-Op Live.
Growth in passenger numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic is set to continue as plans are prepared to expand the network into more boroughs of Greater Manchester, including Stockport. Tranport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is currently preparing the business case for an extension of the existing line to East Didsbury across the River Mersey and into Stockport Interchange. From the new town centre transport hub, the tram network can connect with bus and rail connections, and improve public transport access from the town centre to Western parts of the city-region such as MediaCityUK and Trafford Park.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said:
“This is a historic achievement for Metrolink and is the result of a huge team effort between TfGM and the operator KeolisAmey Metrolink over the last few years.
“It shows just how important Metrolink is for Greater Manchester, as well as demonstrating Metrolink’s integral role as part of the Bee Network. It is also a testament to the staff on the frontlines and behind the scenes who keep the network running reliably.
“This growth in passenger numbers, together with our renewed focus on tackling fare evasion is helping to get Metrolink back on track following the decline in passengers during the pandemic.
“This is just one of many milestones that Metrolink has hit since 6th April 1992, and with work under way to improve the network and make it quicker, smoother and more reliable for passengers, I am confident that Metrolink will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Damien Chabas, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, said:
“Metrolink plays a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable, and accessible public transport services for the around 900,000 people who choose to travel with us every week.
“We are delighted with the record-breaking patronage in May, with the continued dedication and pride of our brilliant employees, KeolisAmey Metrolink will continue to build on our commitment to providing a highly-performing network in partnership with TfGM that adds value to the communities of Greater Manchester.”