Manchester expansion approval : The next stage of Greater Manchester's Metrolink expansion is set to proceed following today's announcement by the government that it has agreed a multi-million pound funding package with the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA). This means that nearly GBP650 million will now be invested in the Metrolink network over the next few years including last year's approval of a GBP102 million package of improvements to the existing system.

Phase 3 of the Metrolink expansion will be implemented in two stages. Today's announcement only covers the first stage (3a) which will extend the network to Oldham and Rochdale (stations), Droylsden in Tameside, and Chorlton in South Manchester. Phase 3b of the expansion will take Metrolink into Oldham and Rochdale town centres as well as to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport. This phase, estimated to cost GBP430 million, will be a key part of a bid being submitted to the government's Transport Innovation Fund next year and if successful would allow both phases to be delivered simultaneously.

6 July 2006