Metrolink adds extra services on Altrincham and Bury lines

Transport for Greater Manchester has announced it will run more trams on Metrolink’s Altrincham and Bury lines, which carry around 40% of all passenger journeys on the network.

Following the installation of improved substations on the Altrincham line, there will be two additional trams during peak times, which will deliver space for around 400 extra passengers between Altrincham and Etihad Campus.

This also means more double trams can run on the Bury line, which is the network’s second-busiest line after Altrincham.

These trams will begin running in early December, following a successful trial by Metrolink operator KeolisAmey.

Work to improve and install additional substations on the Altrincham line is already complete, with works on the Bury line following “in the near future”, according to TfGM.

Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “As the largest tram system in the country, catering for more than 40 million passenger journeys a year, the Metrolink network is busier than ever, particularly at peak times.

“We know more trams are needed so that Metrolink can continue to grow and keep people moving.

“This represents the first step in addressing capacity issues and, while it remains early days, I’d like to reassure all of our customers, regardless of the line they use, that we are working hard to ensure extra capacity is delivered as quickly as is practicable.

“On that basis we are looking closely at funding options now to buy extra trams to provide additional capacity across the network and sustain its future growth.”

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, added: “Passengers have raised concerns about overcrowding on this line in recent weeks and I have been in discussions with transport providers to ensure action is taken to respond to these concerns, so I’m really pleased to see this announcement today.”