Plans progress for expansion to public transport network

Transport leaders have confirmed a pipeline of ‘rapid transit’ public transport schemes across Greater Manchester, including a 2030 construction start for a tram line into Stockport.

Launched as part of the Greater Manchester Strategy in July, the Mayor and local council leaders pledged for 90% of people in city-region to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes by 2030. The work is all part of a plan to link every borough in Greater Manchester to the Metrolink network, with a long-term plan for major expansion of the Bee Network.

A £6 million investment to advance planning work for a range of projects has been signed off by the city-region’s Bee Network Committee. Funding will support:

• Finalising the Strategic Outline Case for extending Metrolink to Stockport from East Didsbury this autumn, with construction to begin in 2030 – the case will also explore the potential for tram-train connections to Hazel Grove, Tameside via Denton and Reddish, and Manchester Airport.
•  Starting work this year on the Strategic Outline Case for completion of the Metrolink Airport Line ‘Western Leg’, which would serve a number of key growth areas at the Airport, Wythenshawe Hospital and Davenport Green. The case will also explore the potential for tram-train connections to Stockport, Altrincham and the Mid-Cheshire Line.
• In summer 2026, preparation will start on the Strategic Outline Case for expanding Metrolink connections to Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, and out to the North-West of the city-region including options for links to Leigh, Wigan and Bolton.
• Further work this year to look at all the options for Middleton & the Northern Gateway and Trafford Waters, Port Salford & the Western Gateway and shape their business cases.
• Ongoing work to protect routes for longer-term schemes to Glossop, Hadfield, Marple and Warrington.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Every part of our city region needs to feel the benefits of Greater Manchester’s growth. To make sure that happens, we’ve pledged to connect our people and communities to new opportunities better than ever before. We’re planning to connect all ten boroughs to the ever-popular Metrolink network as part of a long-term, sustained expansion of the Bee Network.

“This latest funding means we can develop the case for a pipeline of both tram and tram-train new lines and extensions – and ultimately underground infrastructure in the city centre – to make sure we get a public transport system befitting the global city region we are.

“More people are getting on board the Bee Network, but we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to plan ahead to accommodate continued growth, with more tram, bus and train routes giving people a viable alternative to the car.”

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“Better transport is a core enabler of economic growth, higher productivity and greater access to homes, jobs and wider opportunity across the whole of Greater Manchester. This new development work will help ensure that we have a pipeline of projects to build on everything that is already being done across bus, tram, rail and walking, wheeling and cycling as we create an integrated Bee Network for the people and businesses of this fast-growing city-region.”