MANCHESTER METROLINK SPECIAL


Metrolink passengers in Manchester will soon benefit from a variety of new extensions to the system. Rail Technology Magazine asked Philip Purdy and Bryan Diggins how the works are going


ver since it opened in 1992, the light rail system in Manchester has provided passengers with an efficient form of transport whether they are travelling around the city centre or to the suburbs.


E Philip Purdy


Thanks, in part, to substantial government funding, the system is being extended from 23 miles to around 60 miles in length.


The contract to design, build and maintain the first phase of this expansion was awarded to M- Pact Thales (MPT) in 2008.


Bryan Diggins


“This included work to extend the network down to Chorlton in the south, Rochdale and Oldham in the north and Tameside in the east, with each of these


extensions having their own programmes,” says Philip Purdy, Metrolink director at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).


“Additionally, we ordered 28 new trams from our supplier Bombardier which brought the total up to 40 on order so that when the new services come on line we would have an appropriate amount of rolling stock to operate the services.


“Because each of the new lines have their own programmes, they each have different opening dates which we’re aiming for. They have all got their own issues because they are operating in different environments. For example, the Oldham-Rochdale line is


rail technology magazine Dec/Jan 11 | 45


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