Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has invited Stagecoach to submit a Best and Final Offer to run the existing system and carry out tram maintenance. Stagecoach has also been asked to submit its proposals for a combined operating, systems and infrastructure maintenance contract. The 10-year contracts would run from 1 April 2007.

Nearly 20 million passengers travel every year on the Metrolink network, which generates an annual turnover of around £22million. Metrolink operates four routes:

• Altrincham - Manchester City Centre - Bury
• Altrincham - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station
• Bury - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station
• Eccles - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station

Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, said: “We are pleased to have been shortlisted for the Manchester Metrolink contracts and we look forward to submitting attractive, high-quality and value-for-money bids.

“We have significant experience of operating a major tram system in Sheffield, where we are now carrying a record 13 million passengers a year, and we believe we can build on this operational expertise.

“Stagecoach has already developed an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality bus services in Manchester over the past decade, increasing passenger numbers by around 25%. We believe we can work in partnership with GMPTE to improve Metrolink’s quality of service to customers and attract more people to the tram."