Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) announced today 3rd April 2007 that Stagecoach Metrolink has been selected as its preferred bidder for a combined contract to operate and maintain the 37km Manchester Metrolink system and the associated infrastructure. The contract will run for a 10-year term and is expected to commence within the next 3 months. It will include managing a number of Special Projects sponsored by GMPTE to improve the trams and infrastructure to benefit passengers. Stagecoach Metrolink will also be responsible for operating tram services on the new Metrolink lines to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton.
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
Stagecoach already operates Supertram, a 29km tram system in Sheffield, incorporating three routes in the city.
Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, said: “We are delighted to have won the contract to run Manchester Metrolink, which is one of the UK’s premier light rail systems."
“Stagecoach already operates a major tram system in Sheffield, where we are now carrying a record 13 million passengers a year and we will build on this operational expertise to deliver a first-class service to passengers in Manchester in partnership with GMPTE."
“We have developed an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality bus services in Manchester over the past decade, and we are already working hard on our plans to improve Metrolink’s quality of service to customers and attract more people to the tram."
