Plans to use the underused rail line through Denton and Reddish South to connect more communities to the Metrolink network are being considered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as part of the case for expanding the tram network into Stockport.
TfGM is already working with Stockport Council to develop a business case for bringing trams to Stockport. The strategic outline case – the first step in the process – is exploring a ‘core’ extension from the existing Metrolink stop at East Didsbury to Stockport town centre.
As part of the work on the business case, TfGM is also considering how this may unlock future extensions. One option being worked up includes using tram-train technology – where services can run on both tram and train tracks – to run through Stockport town centre along the Denton rail line, connecting the area into the wider Metrolink network and joining up lines to Tameside and Manchester Airport.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“We’ve a bold plan to deliver a decade of good growth for Greater Manchester, one that benefits every part of the city region. Developing the Bee Network and delivering better bus, tram and train connections will be fundamental to our growth story.
“For too long, Denton has been overlooked and by working up the tram-train option to connect Denton and the wider area to the Metrolink is a big step toward unlocking opportunities for local residents and businesses.
“We’re committed to extending Metrolink to Stockport and beyond as part of our efforts to connect all our districts to the tram network and delivering a truly integrated transport network for everyone.”
Significant progress has already been made on the first stage of the Stockport Metrolink extension business case. TfGM is working hard to complete the required technical work this year, ahead of submission to the Department for Transport in early 2026. Construction of the ‘core’ scheme between East Didsbury and Stockport could begin by the end of the decade, subject to approvals and funding.
Earlier this year, the government awarded Greater Manchester £2.5 billion through Transport for the City Regions funding for a pipeline of projects including a tram line to Stockport and tram-train services connecting Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood and Bury, new Metrolink stops and modern new interchanges. The £2.5 billion is part of a package of investment Greater Manchester is seeking to deliver its growth ambitions in full – with the city region seeking to work collaboratively with Government on exploring new funding models for major transport and other infrastructure projects.
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:
“This will be a significant boost for Stockport’s connectivity and local economy, helping people to get to work, school and healthcare appointments more easily and sustainably as well as unlocking new homes and jobs.”
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said:
“I’ve always said when it comes to Metrolink that it should be ‘Next Stop Stockport not Last Stop Stockport’ to the help deliver the ambition we have. The delivery of Metrolink and improving public transport connectivity across the borough and Greater Manchester is something we can all get behind.”
Metrolink is already the UK’s largest light rail network, with 99 stops connecting seven of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. Record numbers of people are also getting onboard, with 45.6million trips made in 2024 – up from 33.5m trips in 2022.
