25 Facts About Manchester Metrolink

Manchester Metrolink is operated by a fleet of high-floor Bombardier M5000 light rail vehicles.

Light rail system for Greater Manchester Metrolink emerged from the failure of the 1970s Picc-Vic tunnel scheme to obtain central government funding.

Manchester Metrolink became the United Kingdom's first modern street-running rail system; the 1885-built Blackpool tramway being the only first-generation tram system in the UK that had survived up to Manchester Metrolink's creation.

Expansion of Metrolink has been a critical strategy of transport planners in Greater Manchester, who have overseen its development in successive projects, known as Phases 1,2,3a, 3b, 2CC and Trafford Park.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has proposed numerous further expansions of the network, including the addition of tram-train technology to extend Metrolink services onto local heavy-rail lines.

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Many urban public transport schemes were evaluated for Manchester Metrolink, including several types of monorail systems and metro-style systems.

Manchester Metrolink was initially scheduled to open in September 1991, but services did not begin until 1992, when the Bury Line opened as far as Victoria on 6 April.

Manchester Metrolink was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 July 1992.

Manchester Metrolink operated icebreaker-style vehicles at night during snowfall in January 2013 to provide standard services.

In January 2016, Transport for Greater Manchester Metrolink agreed on a baseline Service Specification to grade bidders seeking to operate the concession from July 2017, once the Second City Crossing is in operation.

Trams on Manchester Metrolink operate either single units, or coupled together to form double units, which regularly run during peak hours.

Manchester Metrolink has several ancillary vehicles used for maintenance within depots.

In 2020 Manchester Metrolink took delivery of a Zephir Crab 2100E, a small battery powered vehicle for use moving trams within the depot.

In 2002, in the lead up to Manchester hosting the Commonwealth Games, a requirement to increase capacity for the event led to Metrolink investigating the purchase of redundant second-hand Boeing LRV vehicles from the Muni Metro system in San Francisco.

Between 1992 and 2007, electricity for the Manchester Metrolink system was procured by the operator, based on price only.

In 2007, GMPTE changed the contractual requirements to ensure that sustainable power would be factored into choosing an energy supplier, and in July 2007, Manchester Metrolink became the first light rail network in the UK with electricity supplied entirely from sustainable energy via hydropower.

On 7 May 2013 Manchester Metrolink completed the transfer of its main operational functions from Queens Road to Old Trafford, meaning its control room – known as the Network Management Centre – is housed jointly with the Customer Services team by its newer depot.

Manchester Metrolink fares were initially set by the system's operator, but are now set by the TfGM Committee at levels that cover both the running costs and the cost of borrowing that has part-funded the expansion of the system; Manchester Metrolink receives no public subsidy.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority permits reduced fares for persons under 16 years of age, and free or reduced fares on Metrolink after 9:30 am for pensioners.

In July 2013, the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee announced that it planned to enhance the experience of travelling on Metrolink by tapping into Manchester City Council's grant from the UK Urban Broadband Fund and using it to provide Metrolink passengers with free Wi-Fi when on board.

Manchester Metrolink is owned by TfGM, and is currently operated and maintained by KeolisAmey Metrolink, a joint venture between Keolis and Amey, who were awarded the contract for a period of up to 10 years from 15 July 2017.

Standard corporate identity across the Manchester Metrolink system uses a pale yellow and metallic silver colour scheme, with a logotype that consists of a diamond motif formed from a pattern of repeating circles and the Manchester Metrolink name.

Transport planners in Greater Manchester describe Metrolink as both "an icon of Greater Manchester", and "an integral part of the landscape in Greater Manchester".

Metrolink has had close connections with popular culture in Manchester and has taken advantage of the city's strong associations with football culture.

Provision for a second ground-level Manchester Metrolink stop at the eastern end of the high speed station to service future Manchester Metrolink extensions, to be called Piccadilly Central, forms part of the plans.

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