New Metrolink lines are planned to run from Chorlton to East Didsbury and from Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne.  These extensions are in addition to the Metrolink expansion plans already underway and will result in Metrolink being more than twice the size it is today.

 

Alongside the additional track connecting more people to the tram network will be a cross city bus package and additional park and ride in Greater Manchester.

In addition to the accelerated package, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) has agreed a Greater Manchester Transport Fund prioritising public transport and highway schemes involving an investment of over £1.5 billion.

 

The transport strategy focuses funding on these schemes which deliver the greatest benefits for the economy of Greater Manchester and creates an overall local investment of over £1bn through contributions from local transport programmes, future ITA levies and regional allocations which have been earmarked for Greater Manchester.  This funding and prioritisation proposal has been submitted formally to the Secretary of State for approval.

 

The following priority schemes are currently earmarked for funding:

Schemes

Accelerated DfT Package Metrolink: Chorlton to East Didsbury Metrolink: Droylsden – Ashton Elements of Cross City Bus Package Park and Ride in Greater Manchester

SEMMMS Scenario*

Mottram Bypass and Glossop Spur*

Leigh-Salford-Manchester Busway

Metrolink: Rochdale Town Centre

Ashton Northern Bypass Stage 2

Wigan IRR

Metrolink : Airport and Second City crossing

Fund contributions to stations

Altrincham Interchange

Bolton interchange

Metrolink: Oldham Town Centre

 

Additional priorities awaiting further funding are as follows:

 

Metrolink – Trafford Park

Stockport Interchange

Stockport Town Centre Access Scheme

East Lancashire Railway **

* Modelling work ongoing

** Feasibility study ongoing

 

The overall programme is estimated to create over 20,000 jobs and highlights an important step in the development of the overall transport strategy for equipping Greater Manchester’s economy with the necessary infrastructure and the resilience to continue to grow over the next 5 to 10 years.