TfGM Signs Light Rail Contract

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has signed £72 million contract to bolster Manchester’s light rail network.

20:52 03 August 2018

27 new Metrolink trams will be added to Manchester’s light rail network as part of a new £72million contract signed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). The fleet, which are expected to arrive starting February 2020, will provide additional 4,800 spaces and increase the network’s capacity by 15per cent.

 

Alex Cropper, the head of projects group at TfGM, has previously said that transport is a high priority for Greater Manchester mayor Any Burnham because the area is growing – meaning more jobs, more people and increased demand for public transports. He said that the new trams “will be a very welcome – and much needed – addition to the Metrolink fleet.”

 

He continued: “By significantly enhancing capacity we will enable more people to leave their cars at home and use Metrolink to commute to their jobs, access essential services and explore our amazing city-region.

 

“That means less congestion on our roads, less pollution in our air and a better quality of life for everyone. I cannot wait to see the first new trams put into action.”

 

Just like the existing fleet, the new trams will also be manufactured by Bombardier Transport UK and Kiepe Electric. They each have a capacity of 206 people and can reach a maximum speed of 50mph.

 

Juergen Voelkner, member of the management board at Kiepe Electric, said: “TfGM has been our customer for many years. We and our partner Bombardier are very happy that TfGM has ordered further M5000 light rail vehicles.”