Metrolink set to arrive at Derker and Shaw

Services to Derker and Shaw & Crompton on the Oldham-Rochdale line are scheduled to open this Sunday.

The first in-service tram to arrive at Derker is due to leave the Oldham Mumps stop on Sunday at 6.50am, arriving at 6.54am. The same tram is then due to arrive at Shaw & Crompton at 6.59am.

Metrolink said journeys from Shaw & Crompton to Manchester city centre would take less than 30 minutes.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: "The new line to Oldham Mumps has already proved to be a fantastic addition to what the town has to offer and I'm sure that these two new stops will be very popular with new and existing passengers alike.

"As the leader of the steering group that developed the blueprint for the Metrolink network almost 30 years ago – a blueprint that included the conversion of the Oldham Loop Line – witnessing this milestone is very pleasing indeed and I look forward to reaching Rochdale Railway Station."

Cllr Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council's cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, said: "The opening of the line to Shaw & Crompton, and Derker, is a very important phase of the project and will act as a real boost to businesses and people living in these areas in terms of connectivity, giving them quick and convenient access to new jobs, leisure and recreation opportunities.

"This effectively marks the completion of the Oldham section of the Metrolink Phase 3A expansion and we're delighted to see this opening now and providing a further boost to the local economy.

"Our long-term focus remains on delivering the next phase – the town centre extension. This is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken here and it will complement the wide range of regeneration activity which we already have planned for that area."

Tickets from Shaw & Crompton to all stops in Manchester city centre will cost £4.10 for a peak 'anytime' single and £6.20 for a peak 'anytime' return.

Tickets from Derker to Manchester city centre will cost at £3.40 for a peak anytime single and £5 for a peak 'anytime' return.

100 new park and ride spaces will be available at Derker initially, with work to provide a further 154 spaces due to complete in the coming months.

Parking facilities at Shaw & Crompton have also been refurbished, providing more than 40 spaces, and plans are being developed to provide additional parking in the future.

TfGM said that more than 200 parking spaces will be provided at Rochdale Railway Station in the near future.