Manchester Metrolink#Phase 3

{{main|History of Manchester Metrolink|Timeline of Manchester Metrolink}}

Manchester's first tram age began in 1877 with the first horse-drawn trams of Manchester Suburban Tramways Company. Electric traction was introduced in 1901, and the municipal Manchester Corporation Tramways expanded across the city. By 1930, Manchester's tram network had grown to {{convert|163|mi|km|adj=pre|route}}, making it the third-largest tram system in the United Kingdom. After World War II, electric trolleybuses and motor buses began to be favoured by local authorities as a cheaper transport alternative, and by 1949 the last Manchester tram line was closed. Trolleybuses were withdrawn from service in 1966.{{cite web|title=A Short History of Public Transport in Greater Manchester|url=http://www.gmts.co.uk/explore/history/history.html|website=Museum of Transport Greater Manchester|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110051835/http://www.gmts.co.uk/explore/history/history.html|archive-date=10 November 2010}}

{{see also|Picc-Vic tunnel}}

File:Manchester RJD 47.JPG

Greater Manchester's railway network historically suffered from poor north–south connections because Manchester's main railway stations, Piccadilly and Victoria,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=4}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} were built in the 1840s on peripheral locations outside Manchester city centre.{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} The central commercial district had no rail links, and over the years, several unsuccessful schemes were proposed to connect Manchester's rail termini.{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Todd |title=Revealed: 100 years of failed transport plans for Manchester – monorail and underground tube included |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/failed-transport-manchester-monorail-underground-9830097 |access-date=5 March 2017 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=11 August 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170306034442/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/failed-transport-manchester-monorail-underground-9830097 |archive-date=6 March 2017 |url-status=live}} In the 1960s, transport design studies were undertaken to address the problems of increasing traffic congestion.{{cite book|last1=Starkie|first1=D. N. M.|title=Transportation Planning, Policy and Analysis: Urban and Regional Planning Series|date=22 October 2013 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=9781483156439 |page=35 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ceZsBQAAQBAJ&q=1966%20manchester%20monorail&pg=PA35|access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170308045512/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ceZsBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA35&dq=1966%20manchester%20monorail&pg=PA35 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}} Many urban public transport schemes were evaluated for Manchester, including several types of monorail systems{{cite journal |title= Monorail for Manchester? |website= Commercial Motor Archive |date=28 January 1966 |url= http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/28th-january-1966/24/monorail-for-manchester |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170305180553/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/28th-january-1966/24/monorail-for-manchester |archive-date=5 March 2017 |url-status=live}} and metro-style systems.{{cite book |author1=De Leuw, Cather & Partners |author2=Hennessey, Chadwick, O'Heocha & Partners |title=Manchester Rapid Transit Study, Volume 2|work=Issuu |date=August 1967 |url= https://issuu.com/cyberbadger/docs/mrts-vol2 |access-date=15 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170308043925/https://issuu.com/cyberbadger/docs/mrts-vol2 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}

While the monorail schemes were all abandoned, a scheme to create a tunnel link gained momentum. The SELNEC Passenger Transport Executive — the body formed in 1969 to improve public transport for Manchester and its surrounding municipalities – promoted the 'Picc-Vic tunnel' project. The project was a proposal to link Piccadilly and Victoria stations via a tunnel under the city centre and enable train services to run across the Manchester conurbation.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}}{{cite news |title=Green light for Manchester tube project |url= https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/the-northerner/2013/jul/18/manchester-underground-piccadilly-victoria-picc-vic |work=The Guardian |location= London |date=18 July 1967 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161220141537/https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/the-northerner/2013/jul/18/manchester-underground-piccadilly-victoria-picc-vic |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live}} Greater Manchester County Council (GMC) inherited the project and presented it to the United Kingdom Government in 1974,{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=5}} but the council failed to secure the necessary funding,{{sfn|Donald|Cross|Bristow|1983|p=45}} and the project was abandoned in 1977.{{cite book |last1=Brook |first1=Richard |last2=Dodge |first2=Martin |title=Infra_MANC – Post-war infrastructures of Manchester |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160126092643/http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/Infra_MANC_catalogue.pdf|archive-date=26 January 2016 |url= http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/Infra_MANC_catalogue.pdf |publisher=RIBA/CUBE Gallery |pages=134 |date= 2012|access-date=27 January 2016|url-status=live}} (exhibition catalogue){{cite news |last1=Wainwright |first1=Martin |title=Manchester's tube train that never was |url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/mar/14/manchester-localgovernment-underground-trains-picc-vic-secret-telephone-exchange |work=The Guardian |location= London |date=14 March 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170104170703/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/mar/14/manchester-localgovernment-underground-trains-picc-vic-secret-telephone-exchange |archive-date=4 January 2017 |url-status=live}} The Centreline shuttle bus service provided inter-station links for many years.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), the successor to SELNEC, continued to examine possible rail link solutions. Light rail emerged in the early 1980s as a cost-effective option that could make use of existing railway lines and run through the city centre at street level, eliminating the need for costly tunnelling works. A Rail Study Group, composed of officials from British Rail, GMC and GMPTE formally endorsed the Project Light Rail scheme in 1984.{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}} Initial abstract proposals, based on light rail systems in North America and continental Europe,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=26–27}} illustrated a draft {{convert|62|mi|km|adj=on}} network consisting of three lines: Altrincham–{{rws|Hadfield}}/{{rws|Glossop}}, Bury–{{rws|Marple}}/{{rws|Rose Hill}} and {{rws|Rochdale}}–{{tram|East Didsbury}}. To promote the scheme, GMPTE held a public proof of concept demonstration in March 1987 using a Docklands Light Railway P86 train on a freight-only line adjacent to Debdale Park.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=37}} The Project Light Rail proposals were presented to the UK Government for taxpayer funding;{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}} following route revisions in 1984 and 1987,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=25}} Project Light Rail was approved. Because of the central government's constraints on financial support for innovative transport projects, funding was granted by HM Treasury with the strict condition that the system be constructed in phases.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}} Additional taxpayer funding came from the European Regional Development Fund and bank lending.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}

{{main|History of Manchester Metrolink#Delivery}}

File:Metrolink phase1.png|Phase 1 (1992)

File:Metrolink phase2.png|Phase 2 (1999–2000)

File:Metrolink mediacity extensi.png|{{tram|MediaCityUK}} spur (2010)

File:Metrolink phase3a.png|Phase 3a (2011–13)

File:Metrolink phase3b.png|Phase 3b (2013–14)

File:Metrolink 2CC.png|Second City Crossing (2015–17)

File:Metrolink Trafford Line.png|Trafford Park Line (2020)

Parliamentary authority to proceed with Phase 1 construction was obtained with two Acts of Parliament – the Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) Act 1988 and Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (No. 2) Act 1988.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=30–31}}File:View from Piccadilly Station approach, Manchester - geograph.org.uk - 733658.jpg

The first phase of Metrolink involved the conversion of two suburban heavy rail lines to light rail operation — the Bury Line in the north (conversion started in July 1991) and the MSJ&AR line in the south (conversion started December 1991) — and the construction of a street-level tramway through the city centre to connect the two.{{cite news |url=http://www.therailengineer.com/2011/11/30/manchester-metrolink-20-years-of-evolution/ |work=The Rail Engineer |title=Manchester Metrolink 20 Years of Evolution |first=Clive |last=Kessell |date=30 November 2011 |access-date=2 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195240/http://www.therailengineer.com/2011/11/30/manchester-metrolink-20-years-of-evolution/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=live }} Tracks were laid down along a {{convert|1.9|mi|adj=on}} route from Victoria station, via Market Street and St Peter's Square to the G-Mex, with a {{convert|0.4|mi|adj=on}} branch from Piccadilly Gardens to Manchester Piccadilly station.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=73–74}}{{cite web|title=Metrolink in the City Centre|url=http://lrta.org/Manchester/city_centre.html|publisher=LRTA|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214194249/http://lrta.org/Manchester/city_centre.html|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Metrolink : Routes : city centre routes|url=http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/city/|publisher=TheTrams|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408190936/http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/city/|archive-date=8 April 2016|url-status=live}} This route is now known as the First City Crossing (1CC), and it was built with network expansion in mind.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=94}}

A fleet of 26 AnsaldoBreda T-68 light rail vehicles was procured to operate the {{convert|19.2|mi|km|adj=on}} network.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=17}} Construction was carried out by the GMA Group (a consortium of AMEC, GM Buses, John Mowlem & Company and GEC),{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=51}} costing £145{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|145|1992}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}).{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}

Metrolink was initially scheduled to open in September 1991, but services did not begin until 1992, when the Bury Line of the Metrolink opened from Victoria station to Bury Interchange on 6 April.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=82}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} The first street-level trams began running on 27 April between Victoria and G-Mex (renamed {{tram|Deansgate-Castlefield}} in 2010), and the Altrincham Line opened on 15 June from G-Mex to Altrincham. The branch to Piccadilly station opened on 20 July.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} Metrolink was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 July 1992.{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=9}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}}{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18867824 |date= 17 July 2012 |title= Manchester's oldest Metrolink trams to be replaced |access-date= 20 January 2013 |work= BBC News |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121106124651/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18867824 |archive-date= 6 November 2012 |url-status= live }}

File:Metrolink tram in Eccles.jpg

In Phase 2, the Metrolink network was extended westwards to Eccles along the new {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on}} Eccles Line, as part of the 1990s urban regeneration of Salford Quays,{{cite web

|url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf

|title=Salford Quays Milestones: The Story of Salford Quays

|publisher=Salford City Council

|access-date=3 January 2013

|year=2008

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122642/http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf

|archive-date=27 March 2009

}} increasing the total Metrolink route length to {{convert|24|mi|km}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-money-for-uk-light-rail.html |title=More money for UK light rail |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |date=1 January 2003 |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302144031/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-money-for-uk-light-rail.html |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live }} The extension cost £160{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|160|2000}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} and was funded by the GMPTA, the ERDF and private developers.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}} It was constructed 1997–99 by Altram (a consortium of Serco, Ansaldo and John Laing) and six new AnsaldoBreda T-68A trams were bought to operate services on the line, but were also used in other locations across the network.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester-metrolink/|publisher=railway-technology.com|access-date=10 January 2013|title=Manchester Metrolink, United Kingdom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203090206/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester-metrolink/|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=live}} The line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Tony Blair on 6 December 1999{{cite web|last1=Officer|first1=Tony Williams LRTA Manchester Area|title=News 1998 & 1999 — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA|url=http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/news/nen.html|website=Light Rail Transit Association|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712042542/http://lrta.org/Manchester/news/nen.html|archive-date=12 July 2016|url-status=live}} as far as Broadway tram stop as the street running section to Eccles Interchange was completed. The Broadway–Eccles section was opened on 21 July 2000, and the complete line was officially opened by Princess Anne on 9 January 2001.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/42018_whistlestop_princess_takes_home_hat_souvenir_ |work=Manchester Evening News |date=9 January 2001 |access-date=8 January 2013 |title=Whistle-stop Princess takes home hat souvenir |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420231936/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/42018_whistlestop_princess_takes_home_hat_souvenir_ |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:Didsbury Village Metrolink Stop Under Construction (geograph 3185533).jpg]]

The Phase 3 extension project, nicknamed the "Big Bang", was promoted by GMPTE and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) in the early 2000s.{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/5152948.stm |title= Metrolink extension is announced |date= 6 July 2006 |access-date= 7 January 2013 |work= BBC News |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090111165204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/5152948.stm |archive-date= 11 January 2009 |url-status= live }} The project, costing £489{{nbsp}}million (£{{Inflation|UK|489|2000}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}),{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} would create four new lines: the Oldham and Rochdale Line, East Manchester Line, South Manchester Line, and Airport Line.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/GMLTP/LTP2.pdf |title=Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2 |date=March 2006 |access-date=5 January 2013 |publisher=Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305214952/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/GMLTP/LTP2.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2014 |url-status=dead }} Phase 3 was put in doubt when central government funding was withdrawn due to increasing costs,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/aug/02/transport.politics |title=Tram fury rattles ministers |first=David |last=Ward |date=2 August 2004 |access-date=5 January 2013 |work=The Guardian |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828052302/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/aug/02/transport.politics |archive-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3910235.stm |title=Government scraps trams extension |date=20 July 2004 |work=BBC News |access-date=19 January 2013}} but after negotiations with the Department for Transport, Phase 3 was split into two parts, 3a and 3b, to secure investment.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4120216.stm |title=Metrolink 'to axe hospital route' |work=BBC News |date=22 June 2005 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224072552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4120216.stm |archive-date=24 December 2006 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/05/13/130509_metrolink_map_plan_b_feature.shtml |title=Metrolink: back on track? |date=13 May 2009 |access-date=19 January 2013 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114112604/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/05/13/130509_metrolink_map_plan_b_feature.shtml |archive-date=14 November 2012 |url-status=live }}{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}}

The new {{convert|0.25|mi|km|adj=on}} spur off the Eccles Line to {{tram|MediaCityUK}} was funded separately by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}}{{cite news|title=Metrolink trams pull in to MediaCityUK station for first time |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |access-date=25 September 2010 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923105728/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |archive-date=23 September 2010 }} As part of Phase 3, the original blue T-68 trams were also phased out and replaced with a new fleet of Bombardier M5000 trams, which entered service in December 2009.{{Cite news |title=A new generation of trams for Greater Manchester |url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx |publisher=Metrolink |access-date=15 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113051255/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx|archive-date=13 November 2012}}File:Tram_Across_the_Mersey,_David_Dixon,_4237015.jpg trams|217x217px]]

Beginning in October 2009 with the closure of the {{convert|14|mi|km|adj=on}} Oldham Loop heavy rail line, Phase 3a involved converting this line to light rail operation, including rebuilding all stations on the route and adding several new stops as well,{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1150326_signalman_reaches_end_of_line |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804220337/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1150326_signalman_reaches_end_of_line |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 August 2012 |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=5 October 2009 |date=1 October 2009 |title=Signalman reaches end of line |last=Kirby |first=Dean }}{{cite news

|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1069009_end_of_era_as_loop_line_is_replaced

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114072105/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1069009_end_of_era_as_loop_line_is_replaced

|url-status=dead

|archive-date=14 January 2013

|work=Manchester Evening News

|access-date=5 October 2009

|date=26 September 2008

|title=End of era as loop line is replaced

}}{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/metrolink-trams-reach-oldham-mumps.html |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=13 January 2013 |title=Metrolink trams reach Oldham Mumps |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201063038/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/metrolink-trams-reach-oldham-mumps.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=live }} re-opening a disused {{convert|1.7|mi|km|adj=on}} section of the Cheshire Lines Committee railway to use as the first part of the South Manchester Line (up to {{tram|St Werburgh's Road}}), and building a new {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on}} East Manchester Line as far as {{tram|Droylsden}}.{{cite news |date=8 July 2011 |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/first-line-opens-under-pound14bn-manchester-tram-expansion.html |title=First line opens under £1·4bn Manchester tram expansion |work=Railway Gazette International |location =London |access-date=19 January 2013}} When completed in 2013, Phase 3a increased Metrolink's total network length to {{convert|43|mi|km}}.{{cite press release |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=175 |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |title=Next stop: Rochdale! |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523001932/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=175 |archive-date=23 May 2013 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/77999/next-stop-rochdale |title=Next stop: Rochdale! |work=Rochdale Online |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225062604/http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/77999/next-stop-rochdale |archive-date=25 February 2013 |url-status=live }}

Phase 3b involved the construction of a new {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on}} Airport Line to Manchester Airport,{{cite news |date= 22 March 2011 |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-starts-phase-3b.html |title= Manchester Metrolink starts Phase 3b |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143218/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-starts-phase-3b.html |archive-date= 24 September 2015 |url-status= live }} and extending three of the Phase 3a lines: the East Manchester Line to Ashton-under-Lyne;{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/ashton-and-didsbury-metrolink-extensions-funded.html |title= Ashton and Didsbury Metrolink extensions funded |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |date= 8 March 2010 |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121023141226/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/ashton-and-didsbury-metrolink-extensions-funded.html |archive-date= 23 October 2012 |url-status= live }} the South Manchester Line to East Didsbury;{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-told-can-tram-3710695 |title=Metrolink extension to East Didsbury to open next week- three months early |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |first=Dean |last=Kirby |work=Manchester Evening News}} and adding street-running routes through Oldham and Rochdale town centres to the Oldham and Rochdale Line.{{sfn|Young|2008|p=163}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=92–93}}{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-phase-3b-confirmed.html |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=19 January 2013 |title=Manchester Metrolink Phase 3b confirmed |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London}}{{cite web |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met_roch.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0PFqxf0?url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met_roch.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2013 |publisher=Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority |title=Bringing Metrolink to Oldham and Rochdale |year=2000 |access-date=15 January 2013 }} Construction work began in March 2011, and Phase 3b was completed in November 2014 with the Airport Line's opening.{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/airport/Pages/index.html|title=Metrolink – The Airport Line has landed|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213537/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/airport/Pages/index.html|archive-date=7 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=3 November 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29879147 |title=Metrolink line to Manchester Airport opens a year early |work=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026102656/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29879147 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |url-status=live }} Phase 3b was delayed after a failed bid to raise funding through the Greater Manchester Transport Innovation Fund and a proposed traffic congestion charge in 2008. GMPTE and AGMA instead funded Phase 3b through a combination of council tax, government grants, Metrolink fares and contributions from the Manchester Airports Group and other bodies.

File:Trams on Cross Street, Metrolink Second City Crossing, David Dixon, 5301810.jpg

With increased tram traffic brought about by the expansion of the Metrolink network, it became necessary to build a new route across Manchester City Centre to alleviate congestion and improve capacity.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=84}}{{cite news|url=http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/14501-ministers-clear-way-for-second-city-centre-metrolink-line.html|work=Place North West|date=7 October 2013|access-date=7 October 2013|title=Ministers clear way for second city centre Metrolink line|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203103/http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/14501-ministers-clear-way-for-second-city-centre-metrolink-line.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}

Known as the Second City Crossing (or 2CC), the project involved laying {{convert|0.8|mi|km}} of tram tracks from St Peter's Square tram stop via Princess Street, Albert Square, Cross Street and Corporation Street to rejoin the original Metrolink line just before Victoria station. One new tram stop was built at {{tram|Exchange Square}}.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13684701 |work= BBC News |title= Metrolink second city crossing 'vital' for Manchester |date= 8 June 2011 |access-date= 7 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120527180249/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13684701 |archive-date= 27 May 2012 |url-status= live }} The project also involved re-ordering St Peter's Square and re-siting the Cenotaph to accommodate an enlarged tram interchange and junction.{{cite news |last1=Linton |first1=Deborah |title=Workmen start on cenotaph relocation |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-cenotaph-move-side-st-6559512 |access-date=28 February 2017 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=25 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170301005743/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-cenotaph-move-side-st-6559512 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live}} The realigned tracks were to run over the site of the former St Peter's Church (demolished 1907). To protect the remaining underground burial vaults of the church, concrete slabs were put in place below street level before the tram tracks were laid.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Charlotte |title=Experts uncover 270 bodies as part of Cross Street Metrolink works |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-cross-street-270-bodies-9670347 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=16 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522052454/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-cross-street-270-bodies-9670347 |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-date=22 May 2022 |language=en|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Unearthing Manchester's hidden crypt and secret cemetery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-30779807 |work=BBC News |date=27 January 2015 |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621232735/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-30779807 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Greater Manchester's Past Revealed Life and Death in Manchester - Excavations along the Second City Crossing |url=https://diggreatermanchester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gmpr29-life-and-death-in-manchester.pdf |publisher=Greater Manchester Archaeology Federation |access-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112232705/https://diggreatermanchester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gmpr29-life-and-death-in-manchester.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2024 |pages=7–15 |url-status=live}} The stone cross marking the location of the former church was restored and re-instated close to its original location, in between the tracks.{{cite news |last1=Heath |first1=Helen |title=Bishop of Manchester rededicates cross in St Peter's square - The Northern Quota |url=https://thenorthernquota.org/bishop-manchester-rededicates-cross-st-peters-square/ |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=The Northern Quota - Latest news from Manchester |date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518060622/https://thenorthernquota.org/bishop-manchester-rededicates-cross-st-peters-square/ |archive-date=18 May 2024 |language=en|url-status=live}}

Construction began in 2014, and the 2CC route opened fully in February 2017.{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-second-city-crossing-opens-12654231 |title=26th February 2017:Second City Crossing opens |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170225162649/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-second-city-crossing-opens-12654231 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |url-status=live}}

The Transport & Works Act Order for the 3.4 mile (5.4 km) Trafford Park Line was granted in October 2016.[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trafford-centre-line-approved-12021610 "Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre will go ahead despite objections from Coronation Street and Manchester United"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016222349/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trafford-centre-line-approved-12021610 |date=16 October 2016 }}. Manchester Evening News. 14 October 2016.[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-37645935 "Metrolink's Trafford Park £350m Tramline Approved"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129101729/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-37645935 |date=29 November 2018 }}. BBC News. 13 October 2016.[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/powers-granted-for-manchester-metrolink-trafford-park-extension.html "Powers granted for Manchester Metrolink Trafford Park extension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017024702/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/powers-granted-for-manchester-metrolink-trafford-park-extension.html |date=17 October 2016 }}". Railway Gazette International (London). 14 October 2016. This new line includes six tram stops, including, but not limited to, a stop at Wharfside to serve Old Trafford Stadium closer and faster than Old Trafford tram stop, a stop at Imperial War Museum, also providing a closer and faster connection to IWM North from the city centre, the alternative tram option being walking from MediaCityUK, and a stop adjacent to Barton Dock Road, serving Trafford Palazzo. All six stops also opened with new dot matrix displays unique to the rest of the network. Enabling works began in January 2017,{{cite web |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/enabling-works-begin-on-new-trafford-park-metrolink-line |title=Enabling works begin on new Trafford Park Metrolink line |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820163108/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/enabling-works-begin-on-new-trafford-park-metrolink-line |archive-date=20 August 2017 |url-status=live }} and the first test tram ran in November 2019 between Pomona and Village.{{Cite web |title=News 2019 — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA |url=https://lrta.info/archive/Manchester/news/index.html#jan.a |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=lrta.info}} The line finally opened on 22 March 2020.{{cite web |title=The opening date for the Metrolink Trafford Park Line has been confirmed |date = 9 March 2020|url=https://themanc.com/news/the-opening-date-for-the-metrolink-trafford-park-line-has-been-confirmed/ |publisher=The Manc |access-date=9 March 2020}} The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the UK on the second day of operation overshadowed news of the new line's opening, leading to it not getting much ridership after the lockdown ended.

{{Scalable image|Manchester Metrolink - Schemaplan.png|1100px|Manchester Metrolink route map. The map above is not official and is outdated; it may be inaccurate.|alt=Schematic diagram of the Manchester Metrolink network}}

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Before the inauguration, GMPTE's original concept was for Metrolink's operator to provide a service every ten minutes from Bury to Piccadilly and Altrincham to Piccadilly from 06:00 to midnight, Monday to Saturday.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=124–127}} Greater Manchester Metro Limited, the system's original operator, argued for adjustments, citing the need to provide an efficient and commercially viable operation in line with vehicle running times and passenger demand.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=124–127}} Due to power limitations, this pattern was modified to a twelve-minute service throughout the day, doubling to a six-minute service in peak periods, resulting in a "ten trams per hour" service pattern on routes running from Altrincham and Bury to Manchester every six minutes.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=124–127}} Operators were required to provide this level of service at least 98% of the time or incur a financial penalty charge.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=124}} This twelve-minute service pattern has been adopted on the rest of the network as the system has grown.{{cite web |url= http://www.tfgm.com/buses/Pages/Getting-to-Salford-Quays.aspx |publisher= Transport for Greater Manchester |access-date= 23 January 2013 |title= Getting to The Quays and MediaCityUK |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160201010710/http://www.tfgm.com/buses/Pages/Getting-to-Salford-Quays.aspx |archive-date= 1 February 2016 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}{{cite press release |url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/extension/ORL_Extension_line_guide.pdf |title=Brightening up your day |year=2012 |access-date=23 January 2013 |publisher=Metrolink |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108061547/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/extension/ORL_Extension_line_guide.pdf |archive-date=8 January 2013 |url-status=live }} Heavy snowfall during the winter of 2009/10 impaired Metrolink services and the operator was criticised for failing to have cold weather procedures. This prompted a programme to improve the reliability and performance of the system in freezing conditions.{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/metrolink-firm-slammed-over-unacceptable-875296 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=8 November 2011 |access-date=23 January 2013 |title=Metrolink firm slammed over 'unacceptable' service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801061244/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/metrolink-firm-slammed-over-unacceptable-875296 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/get-some-de-icer-passengers-fume-as-metrolink-trams-1221218 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=7 November 2011 |access-date=23 January 2013 |title=Get some de-icer: Passengers fume as Metrolink trams are 'severely disrupted' by first frost of the winter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801080151/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/get-some-de-icer-passengers-fume-as-metrolink-trams-1221218 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }} Metrolink operated icebreaker-style vehicles at night during snowfall in January 2013 to provide standard services.{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/five-inches-of-snow-to-hit-manchester-1215043 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=16 January 2013 |first=Paul |last=Britton |title=Five inches of snow to hit Manchester |access-date=23 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801080516/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/five-inches-of-snow-to-hit-manchester-1215043 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }}

In January 2016, Transport for Greater Manchester agreed on a baseline Service Specification to grade bidders seeking to operate the concession from July 2017, once the Second City Crossing was in operation. In the baseline service pattern, there are no designated 'peak' periods of service operation; instead, there was an 'enhanced' service operating from start of service to 08:00 Monday to Friday, and to 18:00 Saturday; and a 'core' service running at all other times. In the 'enhanced' service pattern, trams ran with a six-minute frequency to Shaw and Crompton, Bury, Ashton-under-Lyne, Altrincham, Manchester Airport and East Didsbury; and with a 12-minute frequency to Rochdale, Eccles and MediaCityUK.

As of 2024, the core service pattern operates exactly one route to every terminus on the Metrolink network, during all operating times{{Efn|Mon-Thu (06:00–00:00), Fri-Sat (06:00–01:00), Sun (07:00–00:00)}}, at a 12-minute frequency on all routes (15 minute frequency on Sundays), and the enhanced service pattern operates the core service plus extra services up to Bury, Altrincham, Etihad Campus, Shaw and Crompton, East Didsbury, and MediaCityUK.

File:Greater Manchester Railways map.svg

All-day services (core)

The following services run during all operating times, from 06:00–00:00 on Monday–Thursday, 06:00–01:00 on Friday–Saturday, and 07:00–00:00 on Sundays and bank holidays.

Six services which each run to a 12-minute frequency (24-minute after 00:00, and 15-minute on Sundays):

• {{RouteBox|  ||#7B2082|white}} {{Tram|Altrincham}} – {{Tram|Piccadilly}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#59C6F2|white}} {{Tram|Ashton-under-Lyne}} – {{Tram|Eccles}} (via {{Tram|MediaCityUK}} outside Mon–Sat daytime hours)
• {{RouteBox|  ||#EFBB00|white}} {{Tram|Bury}} – {{Tram|Piccadilly}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#FE79B0|white}} {{Tram|East Didsbury}} – {{Tram|Rochdale Town Centre}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#E70310|white}} {{Tram|The Trafford Centre}} – {{Tram|Deansgate-Castlefield}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#0069B4|white}} {{Tram|Manchester Airport}} – {{Tram|Victoria}}

This is the minimum service that the Metrolink can provide whilst bringing trams to all available stops, hence why it is called the 'core' service.

Daytime services (enhanced){{cite web |url=https://tfgm.com/public-transport/tram/tram-times |publisher= Transport for Greater Manchester |date = 19 January 2019 |access-date=19 January 2019 |title=Metrolink tram times}}

The following services run alongside the core service during peak times: from 07:00–20:00 on Monday–Friday and 09:00–18:30 on Saturdays, and not operational on Sundays or bank holidays.{{Cite web |title=Tram service frequency |url=https://ingress.tfgm.com/plan-a-journey/schedules/tram-schedule |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Tram service frequency {{!}} Bee Network {{!}} Powered by TfGM |language=en}}

Three extra services which each run to a 12-minute frequency (24-minute after 00:00):

• {{RouteBox|  ||#318C2C|white}} {{Tram|Altrincham}} – {{Tram|Bury}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#F18800|white}} Etihad Campus – {{Tram|MediaCityUK}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#82735E|white}} {{Tram|East Didsbury}} – {{Tram|Shaw and Crompton}}

Thus the combined frequency for some routes is every 6 minutes or less.

Other part-day services

The Altrincham – Piccadilly service operates an extended service to Etihad Campus from 20:00–00:00 on Monday–Thursdays, 20:00–01:00 Friday–Saturdays, and 07:00–00:00 (all day) Sundays and bank holidays.

One service which replaces the normal service and runs to Etihad Campus via Piccadilly and runs to a 12-minute frequency (24-minute after 00:00, and 15-minute on Sundays):

• {{RouteBox|  ||#7B2082|white}} Altrincham – Etihad Campus

Early morning service

The early morning service used to operate from 03:00–06:00 Monday–Saturdays and 03:00–07:00 on Sundays and bank holidays.

One service which ran to a 20-minute frequency:

• {{RouteBox|  ||#0069B4|white}} {{Tram|Manchester Airport}} – {{Tram|Deansgate-Castlefield}}

This was mostly to support airport shift workers and people with early flights, however, these services were removed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no plans to reintroduce this service.

Services during COVID-19 pandemic{{cite web |url=https://tfgm.com/coronavirus/tram |title=Coronavirus: Tram information and advice |access-date=14 April 2020 |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704194152/https://tfgm.com/coronavirus/tram |url-status=dead }}

Due to changing travel patterns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, advice was against all but essential travel, and thus, the Metrolink temporarily introduced a reduced timetable, and trams ran to a 20-minute frequency on the following routes only.

Gradually, in the following months, with more people returning to work and social activities, the service frequency on all routes was increased to 10 minutes during peak times and 20 minutes off-peak Monday–Saturday, and every 15 minutes on Sundays.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Public Transport {{!}} Transport for Greater Manchester |url=https://tfgm.com/coronavirus/public-transport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921191547/https://tfgm.com/coronavirus/public-transport |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 September 2020 |access-date=7 May 2024 }} Normal service was reintroduced on 5 July 2021, although temporarily removed in late August 2021 due the number of staff having to self isolate.{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Ethan |date=27 July 2021 |title=Metrolink hit by delays – just ONE HOUR after saying service back to normal |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/6am-metrolink-update-back-normal-21152024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}} The two enhanced service routes at the time: Altrincham–Bury direct and Shaw and Crompton–East Didsbury resumed on 31 August and 6 September 2021 respectively.

• {{RouteBox|  ||#7B2082|white}} {{Tram|Altrincham}} – {{Tram|Piccadilly}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#59C6F2|white}} {{Tram|Ashton-under-Lyne}} – {{Tram|Eccles}} via {{Tram|MediaCityUK}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#EFBB00|white}} {{Tram|Bury}} – {{Tram|Piccadilly}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#FE79B0|white}} {{Tram|East Didsbury}} – {{Tram|Rochdale Town Centre}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#E70310|white}} {{Tram|The Trafford Centre}} – {{Tram|Deansgate-Castlefield}}
• {{RouteBox|  ||#0069B4|white}} {{Tram|Manchester Airport}} – {{Tram|Victoria}}

{{As of|2025}}, Metrolink operated a fleet of 147 trams.

Because low-floor tram technology was in its infancy when Metrolink was in its planning stages, and in order to be compatible with the former British Rail stations that Metrolink inherited, the network uses high-floor trams with a platform height of {{convert|900|mm|0|abbr=on}}, the same height as main line trains.{{cite web |title=T68 and T68a — Metrolink phase 1 and 2 |url=http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/lrv_t68.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307201041/http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/lrv_t68.html |archive-date=7 March 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |publisher=Light Rail Transit Association}}

Trams on Metrolink operate either single units, or coupled together to form double units, which regularly run on the Altrincham – Bury line and on other lines during peak hours.{{cite web|title=Metrolink : Trams|url=http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/trams/|publisher=TheTrams|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229070902/http://thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/trams/|archive-date=29 December 2016|url-status=live}}

{{main|Bombardier M5000}}

File:M5000 trams in multiple.JPG

In December 2009, Metrolink took delivery of the first Bombardier M5000 tram. Built by Bombardier Transportation and Vossloh Kiepe, the initial eight M5000s were ordered to allow services to be increased. They are part of the Bombardier Flexity Swift range of light rail vehicles and have a design similar to the K5000 vehicle used on the Cologne Stadtbahn and Bonn Stadtbahn.{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/manchester-plays-catch-up-with-metrolink-expansion.html |title=Manchester plays catch-up with Metrolink expansion |first=Nick |last=Kingsley |date=19 October 2007 |access-date=12 January 2013 |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324190153/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/manchester-plays-catch-up-with-metrolink-expansion.html |archive-date=24 March 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1186881_2m_tram_is_up_and_running |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421100841/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1186881_2m_tram_is_up_and_running |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2013 |date=21 December 2009 |title=£2m tram is up and running |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=20 January 2013 }}{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1125664_futures_yellow_for_trams |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420234555/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1125664_futures_yellow_for_trams |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |date=13 July 2009 |title=Future's yellow for trams |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=20 January 2013 }}

With the approval of the spur to MediaCityUK, a further four were ordered. To provide rolling stock for the phase 3 extensions and replace the existing fleet, the order was increased successively to 94.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1583611_happy-birthday-metrolink-old-trams-axed-as-network-turns-20 |date=17 July 2012 |title=Happy birthday Metrolink: Old trams axed as network turns 20 |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=29 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719221050/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1583611_happy-birthday-metrolink-old-trams-axed-as-network-turns-20 |archive-date=19 July 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx |title=A new generation of trams for Greater Manchester |access-date=20 January 2013 |publisher=Metrolink |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113051255/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx |archive-date=13 November 2012 }}{{cite news |title=Metrolink's next trams to have extra seats following passenger plea |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589695_metrolinks-next-trams-to-have-extra-seats-following-passenger-plea |work=Manchester Evening News |date=26 September 2012 |first=Dean |last=Kirby |access-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928232404/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1589695_metrolinks-next-trams-to-have-extra-seats-following-passenger-plea |archive-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=live }} In December 2013, a further 10 M5000s were ordered to provide trams for the Trafford Park Line planned to open in 2020, while in the interim supporting a service between MediaCityUK and Manchester city centre and other capacity enhancements.{{cite news| url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/second-cross-city-metrolink-tram-link-6247586| title=Second cross-city tram link gets green light| work=Manchester Evening News| date=28 October 2013| access-date=28 October 2013| first=Jennifer| last=Williams| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031093809/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/second-cross-city-metrolink-tram-link-6247586| archive-date=31 October 2013| url-status=live}}[http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.bombardier-transportation20131220bombardiertosupply10additionall.bombardiercom.html Bombardier to Supply 10 Additional Light Rail Vehicles to Manchester Metrolink in the UK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821204817/http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.bombardier-transportation20131220bombardiertosupply10additionall.bombardiercom.html |date=21 August 2014 }} Bombardier 23 December 2013 In September 2014, a further 16 were ordered; the final one of which was delivered in October 2016, bringing the fleet up to 120.[http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=8231 More M5000s for Metrolink] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821190309/http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=8231 |date=21 August 2014 }} British Trams Online 7 July 2014"Metrolink investment confirmed" Tramways & Urban Transit issue 921 September 2014 page 360{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/watch-metrolink-airport-line-test-7780939|title=Watch: Metrolink airport line on test as TfGM order new trams worth £34m|author=Charlotte Cox|date=16 September 2014|work=men|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924215719/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/watch-metrolink-airport-line-test-7780939|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Milestone moment as Metrolink's final M5000 tram leaves Vienna depot |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/milestone-moment-as-metrolinks-final-m5000-tram-leaves-vienna-depot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221162650/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/milestone-moment-as-metrolinks-final-m5000-tram-leaves-vienna-depot |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |publisher=Railway Technology Magazine}}

In July 2018, a further 27 were ordered to help relieve overcrowding.{{cite web |title=Transport bosses sign £72m deal to buy 27 new trams |date=2 July 2018 |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/transport-bosses-sign-72m-deal-14855875 |publisher=Manchester Evening News |access-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050405/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/transport-bosses-sign-72m-deal-14855875 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |url-status=live }} Delivered from November 2020, the final tram was delivered in October 2022.

Metrolink has several ancillary vehicles used for maintenance within depots. The "Special Purpose Vehicle", later numbered 1027 with its support wagon 1028, is a bespoke diesel-powered vehicle dating from the networks construction in 1991. It is fitted with a crane, inspection platform, mobile workshop, and capacity for a driver and three passengers. It was designed to assist with vehicle recovery and track and line repairs although to the end of its service life rarely left its base at Queens Road Depot.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=48}} By January 2023 both 1027 & 1028 had been withdrawn from service{{cite web |title=Update to Metrolink Ancillary Vehicles – a Freedom of Information request to Transport for Greater Manchester |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/update_to_metrolink_ancillary_ve#incoming-2209041 |website=WhatDoTheyKnow |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |access-date=21 January 2023 |language=en |date=17 December 2022}} and offered for sale in September 2024.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Daniel |title=Sealed Bid Auction of Special Purpose Vehicle & Parts Keolis Amey Metrolink |url=https://uktram.org/2024/08/29/sealed-bid-auction-of-special-purpose-vehicle-parts-keolis-amey-metrolink/ |website=UK Tram |access-date=6 September 2024 |date=29 August 2024}}

In 2020 Metrolink took delivery of a Zephir Crab 2100E, a small battery powered vehicle for use moving trams within the depot. It is based at Queens Road to replace the Special Purpose Vehicle. Trafford depot operates a smaller Zephir Crab 1500E dating from construction of the depot in 2011.{{cite web | url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/metrolink_ancillary_vehicles#incoming-2109382 | title=Metrolink Ancillary Vehicles – a Freedom of Information request to Transport for Greater Manchester | date=28 July 2022 }} A Unimog road-rail vehicle was added to the fleet in mid-2022 to support infrastructure inspection and maintenance activities.

Manchester Metrolink has previously operated the following trams:

{{main|Firema T-68}}

File:1006 turns off Mosley Street.jpg in Manchester city centre in 2008.]]

To commence operations, a fleet of 26 T-68 trams manufactured by AnsaldoBreda in Italy was delivered in 1992.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=42}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=114–115}} To provide extra trams for the Eccles Line, six modified T-68A trams were purchased in 1999. The T-68A vehicles were based on the original T-68s but had modifications replacing destination rollblinds with dot matrix displays, and retractable couplers and covered bogies necessary for the high proportion of on-street running close to motor traffic.

Three of the earlier T-68 fleet were similarly equipped and were known as T-68Ms.{{sfn|Coward|Henderson|2014|p=29}} Mechanically and electrically, the T-68M vehicles were essentially a T-68 with modifications to its brakes, mirrors, and speed limiters to suit the Eccles line.{{sfn|Coward|Henderson|2014|p=29}} Initially only these vehicles were permitted to operate the Eccles line but the entire fleet except for 3 (1018, 1019, 1020) were modified between 2008 and 2012 for universal running, under a programme known as the T-68X Universal Running programme.{{sfn|Coward|Henderson|2014|pp=31–32, 59}}

The newer M5000 trams proved to be considerably more reliable than the T-68/A fleet, which averaged 5,000 miles between breakdowns, while the M5000s averaged 20,000 miles. This led to a decision in 2012 to withdraw the entire fleet from service and replace them with M5000s. The T-68 and T-68As were withdrawn between April 2012 and April 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trams-end-line-manchester-7056688|work=Manchester Evening News|title=End of the line for Metrolink's first tram fleet|first=Dean|last=Kirby|date=30 April 2014|access-date=1 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005517/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trams-end-line-manchester-7056688|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}

T68 1007 is owned by the Manchester Transport Museum Society, who run the Heaton Park Tramway, it remains in store at Old Trafford depot until it can be accommodated at Heaton Park. 1023 remains under the ownership of Transport for Greater Manchester and is at the Crewe Heritage Centre on display.{{cite web |title=Manchester Metrolink 1007 – Heaton Park Tramway |url=https://hptramway.co.uk/manchester-metrolink-1007/ |publisher=Manchester Transport Museum Society |access-date=6 September 2024}}

File:San Francisco Muni, Boeing LRV 1226.jpg

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.{{cite news | last=Lelchuk | first=Ilene | title=Muni cars on a roll into city junkyard: Even preservationists reject the clunkers | date=14 January 2002 | newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle | page=B-1 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Muni-cars-on-a-roll-into-city-junkyard-Even-2883855.php | access-date=23 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706132338/http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Muni-cars-on-a-roll-into-city-junkyard-Even-2883855.php | archive-date=6 July 2017 | url-status=live }} Two were procured for testing at a cost of £170 each, although transport costs added £15,000 to that figure. The trams, numbered 1226 and 1326, were shipped to the UK in January 2002, with 1326 taken to Queen's Road depot and 1226 sent to a research centre in Derby for safety evaluations. 1326 was hauled by the Special purpose vehicle on a test from Queens Road depot to Eccles and back but suffered from a number of derailments. In the end, the proposal was not taken forward as the vehicles were found to be unsuitable and not cost effective for use in the UK with both later being scrapped.{{cite web |url=http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/ancillary/anc~6&ref=trams |title=Metrolink : Trams : San Francisco Muni tramcar No. 1326 |author= |website=thetrams.co.uk |access-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224055800/http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/ancillary/anc~6%26ref%3Dtrams |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite book |last1=Coward |first1=Andrew |title=LRV Superb A Tribute To The Manchester Metrolink T68 & T68A Light Rail Vehicles |date=2014 |publisher=Andrew Coward |page=194}}

As of August 2022, Metrolink has a network length of {{convert|64|mi|km|}} and 99 stops — along eight lines which radiate from a "central triangular junction at Piccadilly Gardens which forms the hub of the Metrolink system" in Zone 1.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=61}}

The lines are: the Airport Line (which terminates at Manchester Airport), the Altrincham Line (which terminates in Altrincham), the Bury Line (which terminates in Bury), the East Manchester Line (which terminates in Ashton-under-Lyne), the Eccles Line (which terminates in Eccles), the Oldham and Rochdale Line (which terminates in Rochdale), the South Manchester Line (which terminates in East Didsbury), and the Trafford Park Line (which terminates at the Trafford Centre).

File:Map of Manchester Metrolink.png

{{clear}}

{{see also|List of Manchester Metrolink tram stops}}

File:Audenshaw_Metrolink_Stop,_David_Dixon,_geograph,_3692324.jpg on the East Manchester Line.]]

There are 99 tram stops on Metrolink, as of 2023. Low-floor platforms commonly used for light rail throughout the world were ruled out for Metrolink because the system inherited {{convert|90|cm|inch|adj=on}} high-floor platforms from British Rail on lines formerly used for heavy rail.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=31}}{{cite web|title=Metrolink Stops|url=http://lrta.org/Manchester/stops.html|publisher=LRTA|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712070310/http://lrta.org/Manchester/stops.html|archive-date=12 July 2016|url-status=live}} The first stops on the Bury Line and Altrincham Line, opened in phase one, were formerly railway stations and were changed little from British Rail days, as available funding only allowed minimum upgrades to be made.{{cite web|title=Metrolink History 1|url=http://lrta.org/Manchester/metrolink.html|publisher=LRTA|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622145709/http://lrta.org/Manchester/metrolink.html|archive-date=22 June 2017|url-status=live}} When the Oldham and Rochdale Line was converted from a railway, however, all of the former railway stations were completely rebuilt.{{cite web|title=Manchester to Oldham and Rochdale|url=http://lrta.org/Manchester/rochdale.html|publisher=LRTA|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410094326/http://lrta.org/Manchester/rochdale.html|archive-date=10 April 2017|url-status=live}}

Some stops, such as {{Tram|Cornbrook}}, are shared between lines, and may be used as interchange stations; others, such as Altrincham Interchange, or {{tram|Ashton-under-Lyne}} are transport hubs that integrate with heavy rail and bus stations.

File:Etihad Campus Metrolink station train arrival time 2023.jpg

Metrolink stops are unstaffed. Each contains at least two ticket vending machines (except for Pomona, which only has one). Card readers are installed on all stop platforms for use with contactless pay-as-you-go, the TfGM Bee Card smart card, and concessionary passes. All card users are required to touch-in at these platform readers before commencing their journey and to touch-out at their final destination. Stops are provided with help/emergency call points to enable passengers to speak to control. Each stop is monitored by CCTV for public safety, and the images are continuously recorded. Route maps and general information are provided on each platform. Each stop has at least one high-floor platform measuring a minimum of {{convert|2|m|ft|}} wide, accessed by ramp, stairs, escalator, lift or combination thereof.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=89–90}} Shelters and canopies at stops were supplied by JCDecaux,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=89–90}} and ticket vending machines by Scheidt & Bachmann.{{sfn|GMPTE|2009|p=4}}

The trams are electrically powered from 750 V DC overhead lines.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=102}} Between 1992 and 2007, electricity for the 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, Metrolink became the first light rail network in the UK with electricity supplied entirely from sustainable energy via hydropower. Now, energy for the system is generated by biomass.{{cite web|url=http://www.tfgm.com/t2k/Pages/TfGM-Green-Facts.aspx|title=Pages – TfGM Green Facts|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225012132/http://www.tfgm.com/t2k/Pages/TfGM-Green-Facts.aspx|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Disused Repeater Signal 51 near Collyhurst Tunnel.jpg The Metrolink operated using two types of signals during Phase 1 and Phase 2, Line Of Sight signals and Two Aspect colour signals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lrta.info/archive/Manchester/signalling.html|title=Signalling — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA|website=www.lrta.info}} These signals were controlled with a device called the Vehicle Recognition System (VRS) inside the cab of the tram, which sent information to the control room via a pair of coils on the un-motored centre bogie. In preparation for Phase 3, a new device was introduced called the Tram Management System (TMS) as the Two Aspect colour signals would not be able to support the headway between trams (zero minutes) and the level of flexibility required for the new lines. This meant that every line would become fully Line Of Sight.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lrta.info/archive/Manchester/tram_ms.html|title=Tram Management System — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA|website=www.lrta.info}} The Two Aspect colour signals were removed between 2012–2022 as more lines were being converted to Line Of Sight. The only section of the Metrolink network that cannot be converted to Line Of Sight signalling is on the Altrincham Line between Timperley–Altrincham, as that section is under Network Rail control. Any trams numbered 3061 or higher are not compatible and cannot run on this section of the Altrincham Line.

File:Metrolink Depot, geograph-4523325-by-Peter-McDermott.jpg trams stabled at the Queens Road depot.]]

Metrolink has two depots, at Queens Road and Old Trafford: the Metrolink House at Queens Road in Cheetham Hill was the original headquarters of Metrolink.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=79}} Constructed during Phase 1 alongside the Bury Line, it served jointly as a control centre, HQ, office space, and depot for the storage, maintenance and repair of vehicles.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=79}} Under the original proposals, Metrolink House was intended to be much larger, with a design which would support network expansion, but this design did not obtain the necessary planning permission from Manchester City Council.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=79}} Consequently, Metrolink House was scaled down to a {{convert|4|ha|acre|adj=on}} £8{{nbsp}}million site with limited capacity,{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=79}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=43}} and, in light of Phase 3a network expansion, the second depot in Old Trafford was built in 2011.{{sfn|GMPTE|2010|p=6}}{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=23}} This second depot, adjacent to the Old Trafford tram stop, occupies the site of a former warehouse and can stable up to 96 vehicles,{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=23}} it also has a washing plant and maintenance workshops.{{cite web|title=Manchester, City South |url=http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/city_south.html |publisher=LRTA |access-date=29 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226053951/http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/city_south.html |archive-date=26 February 2013 }} On 7 May 2013 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.{{cite news |url= http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/Metrolink-Completes-Move-To-Old-Trafford |work= Manchester Confidential |title= Metrolink Completes Move To Old Trafford |date= 7 May 2013 |access-date= 11 May 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130605175237/http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/Metrolink-Completes-Move-To-Old-Trafford |archive-date= 5 June 2013 |df= dmy-all }}

File:Ticket_machines_and_smart_readers_at_Manchester_Airport_Metrolink_station.jpg]]

File:MM single ticket.jpg

Metrolink fares were initially set by the system's operator,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=124–127}} 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;{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} Metrolink receives no public subsidy.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=126}} Fares typically rise each January above the rate of inflation,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11787624 |title=Call to rethink rise in Greater Manchester tram fares |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=20 January 2013 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616231943/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11787624 |archive-date=16 June 2012 |url-status=live }} but have been frozen since the last change in 2020.{{Cite web |date=5 January 2025 |title=Say yellow to the Bee Network {{!}} Bee Network {{!}} Powered by TfGM |url=https://tfgm.com/the-bee-network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105141229/https://tfgm.com/the-bee-network |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2025 |access-date=5 January 2025 }} The fare tariff is based on a division of the network's stops into fare zones.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=128}} Persons under five years of age may travel on the Metrolink for free. Persons under 16 years of age, of pensionable age, or with disabilities qualify for concessionary fares, some of which are mandatory and others discretionary, as determined by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} 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{{nbsp}}a.m. for pensioners.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=97}} In normal circumstances, tickets cannot be purchased on board Metrolink vehicles and must be purchased from a ticket vending machine before boarding the vehicle.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=83}}

Fare evasion in 2006 was estimated at 2–6% of all users,{{cite journal |first1=Laurent |last1=Dauby |first2=Zoltan |last2=Kovacs |date=January 2007 |title=Fare Evasion in Light Rail Systems |journal=Transportation Research Circular |issue=E-C112 – Proceedings Joint International Light Rail Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, 9–11 April 2006 |pages=230–247 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Transportation Research Board |issn=0097-8515 |access-date=21 January 2013 |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec112.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525061125/http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec112.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013 |url-status=live }} and in 2012 at 2.5% of all users.{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-bosses-track-halt-900-4749691|title=Metrolink bosses on track to halt the 900 fare dodgers|date=29 June 2013|access-date=30 June 2013|first=Charlotte|last=Cox|work=Manchester Evening News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407083850/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-bosses-track-halt-900-4749691|archive-date=7 April 2014|url-status=live}} Checking tickets and passes and issuing Standard fares (similar to penalty fare) is the responsibility of Metrolink's Passenger Services Representatives (PSRs), who provide security and assistance on the network;{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=20}} between 1992 and 2008, Greater Manchester Police had a dedicated Metrolink unit responsible for policing the system.{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/racist-attack-prakash-devyani-patel-1761509 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=19 March 2013 |last=Cox |first=Charlotte |access-date=19 March 2013 |title=Racist attack on dad and daughter sparks tram policing review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801083902/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/racist-attack-prakash-devyani-patel-1761509 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }} The amount of ticket inspectors onboard trams was increased following the Bee Network's launch in September 2023, and the penalty for evading fares also increased.{{Cite web |last=Timan |first=Joseph |date=22 October 2023 |title=Undercover ticket inspectors deployed on trams in ramped-up fare dodging sting |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/undercover-ticket-inspectors-deployed-metrolink-27948907 |access-date=21 April 2024 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}}

Thorn EMI designed the original ticket vending machines.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=128}} In 2005, GMPTE announced that rail passengers travelling from within Greater Manchester into Manchester city centre could use the Metrolink service in the City Zone for free.{{Cite news |title= Free tram rides for train riders |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4385122.stm |work= BBC News |date= 28 October 2005 |access-date= 17 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206133809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4385122.stm |archive-date= 6 December 2008 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |title=Train and tram return combined peak ticket (adult) |url=https://tfgm.com/tickets-and-passes/combination-train-and-tram-day-return-adult |website=Transport for Greater Manchester}} Passengers must present a valid rail ticket, correctly dated with Manchester Ctlz as the destination.{{Cite web |title=Freedom of the City |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Pages/Freedom-of-the-city.aspx |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |access-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407091515/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Pages/Freedom-of-the-city.aspx |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=Freedom of the City |page=4 |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Information/11-0807-CTLZ-2011-Campaign-A5-AW.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6HJuOMEw7?url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Information/11-0807-CTLZ-2011-Campaign-A5-AW.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 June 2013 |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |access-date=17 February 2013 }} In 2007 TfGM rolled out new ticket vending machines, designed to accept credit/debit card payments and permit the purchase of multiple tickets in a single transaction.{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=79}} These were replaced in 2009 with touchscreen machines, designed with the Scheidt & Bachmann Ticket XPress system.{{sfn|GMPTE|2009|p=4}}

In October 2012, TfGM announced it was devising a more straightforward zonal fare system, comparable to London fare zones, and preparing to introduce 'get me there', the region's new contactless smartcard system, for use on all public transport modes in Greater Manchester, including Metrolink.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1590961_metrolink-set-to-move-to-new-zone-ticket-prices |title=Metrolink set to move to new 'zone' ticket prices |work=Manchester Evening News |date=11 October 2012 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101052446/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1590961_metrolink-set-to-move-to-new-zone-ticket-prices |archive-date=1 November 2012 |url-status=live }} After years of consultation, a new system using four concentric zones was implemented on 13 January 2019.{{Cite web |title=New Metrolink ticket zones |url=https://www.tfgm.com/public-transport/tram/zonal-fares |work=Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) |access-date=5 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205060748/https://www.tfgm.com/public-transport/tram/zonal-fares |archive-date=5 December 2018 |url-status=live }} From 15 July 2019, a new contactless pay-as-you-go service began, allowing passengers to tap in and out on smart readers using their contactless bank cards.{{Cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-dont-need-ticket-16584488 |title=Metrolink passengers don't need a ticket from today – if they use a contactless bank card |work=Manchester Evening News |date=15 July 2019 |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716160822/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-dont-need-ticket-16584488 |archive-date=16 July 2019 |url-status=live }} Contactless fares were originally capped to no more than the cost of the equivalent daily travelcard. In September 2021 an additional weekly cap was introduced.{{Cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/new-weekly-capping-system-launched-21499012 |title=New weekly capping system launched on Metrolink across Greater Manchester |work=Manchester Evening News |date=7 September 2021 |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907082924/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/new-weekly-capping-system-launched-21499012 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |url-status=live }}

Metrolink trams and stops have been designed to be accessible to disabled passengers: each stop has been provided with access ramps or lifts, tactile paving, high visibility handrails, disabled boarding points, and help points on the platforms. The trams have also been designed with large areas available for the provision of wheelchairs and pushchairs.{{cite web|title=Making Metrolink accessible for all|url=http://www.railmagazine.com/infrastructure/light-rail/making-metrolink-accessible-for-all/page/2|publisher=Rail Magazine|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116170936/http://www.railmagazine.com/infrastructure/light-rail/making-metrolink-accessible-for-all/page/2|archive-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live}}

However, this access was not in the original plans (which were based on tram-side extending steps and low-level platforms in the city centre) and accessibility took four years of concerted campaigning by disabled people in Greater Manchester from 1984 to 1988, and particularly the efforts of [https://tonybaldwinson.com/people/neville-strowger-1939-2015/ Neville Strowger] (1939–2015), a disabled person working as the access officer at Manchester City Council, and a founding member of the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People. The campaign was to change the design policy to create full access, including retrofitting access to the legacy train stations on the Bury line and the Altrincham line. An early milestone in the campaign was a large meeting between GMPTE officers and around 70 disabled people at County Hall on 22 November 1984, including a speech from the invited disability rights campaigner Vic Finkelstein. A further key meeting was in May 1987 with over 100 disabled people and elected Councillor Guy Harkin as Chair of GMPTA plus other officials, but the policy in 1987 that was repeated at this meeting was that access would only be possible "if the budget allows." Full access was finally agreed in the summer of 1988, and productive meetings followed with disabled people on the implementation details. This campaigning was researched in detail starting in 2019 and written up in an 8-page pamphlet in February 2020.{{Cite web|last=Baldwinson|first=Tony|date=2020|title=Metrolink Trams – the 1980s and how full access to the new tram system was won by a campaign led by disabled people|url=https://tonybaldwinson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/2020-02-12-metrolink-access-campaign-1984-1988-final.pdf}}

Mobility scooters were initially banned from Metrolink. However, in 2014 a scheme was introduced whereby scooters could be allowed on trams, provided they have a permit which can be obtained after an assessment of the scooter's size and manoeuvrability.{{cite news|title=Mobility scooter ban on Manchester Metrolink trams lifted after trial|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-30052341|work=BBC News|date=14 November 2014|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118030356/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-30052341|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=live}}

Currently the Metrolink operator company consults with a group of disabled people, via TfGM's relationship with the independent [https://www.breakthrough-uk.co.uk/disability-design-reference-group Disability Design Reference Group], on any proposed changes to the services or infrastructure.

"Well-behaved" dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads (with other conditions).{{cite web | url=https://tfgm.com/dogs-on-trams| title=Dogson trams| date=January 2024}}

Metrolink does not allow full-sized bicycles on to trams but does permit the carriage of "fully covered" folding bicycles. The ban on non-folding bicycles was upheld in 2010, despite a campaign by cycling and green groups for the trams to be adapted to allow them.{{cite news|title=Metrolink tram bicycle ban stays in place|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-11793258|work=BBC News|date=19 November 2010|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052042/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-11793258|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=live}} Campaigners against the policy had argued that the ban on bicycles was anomalous, as other large objects such as ironing boards and deckchairs were allowed on the trams under current rules.{{cite news|title=Should bikes be allowed on the city's Metrolink trams?|date=12 February 2010|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8513000/8513350.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118082842/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8513000/8513350.stm|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=live}}

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. The scheme began with a trial on a single tram – number 3054 – connected to the FreeBeeMcr broadband network with the intention of rolling it out across the whole Metrolink network by Spring 2015.{{cite news|url=http://manchestergazette.co.uk/manchester-unveils-revised-superconnected-cities-plans/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714201244/http://manchestergazette.co.uk/manchester-unveils-revised-superconnected-cities-plans/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2013|title=Manchester unveils revised Superconnected Cities plans|access-date=7 July 2013|date=7 July 2013|work=The Manchester Gazette}}{{cite news|url=http://manchestergazette.co.uk/wi-fi-tram-test-trial-on-track-for-metrolink/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130824094344/http://manchestergazette.co.uk/wi-fi-tram-test-trial-on-track-for-metrolink/|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 August 2013|title=Wi-Fi tram test-trial on track for Metrolink|access-date=24 August 2013|date=23 August 2013|work=The Manchester Gazette}} It was rolled out fleet wide in March 2015.{{cite web|url=http://altrincham.today/2015/03/30/free-wifi-rolled-out-on-all-metrolink-trams/|title=Free wifi rolled out on all Metrolink trams|date=30 March 2015|access-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208185019/http://altrincham.today/2015/03/30/free-wifi-rolled-out-on-all-metrolink-trams/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}} On board Wi-Fi was later suspended indefinitely in March 2020.{{Cite web|last=Cox|first=Charlotte|date=26 June 2020|title=Metrolink's free wifi suspended 'indefinitely' to cut costs|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-free-wifi-coronavirus-suspended-18486800|access-date=14 May 2021|website=Manchester Evening News|language=en}}

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 ten years from 15 July 2017.

Between 1992 and 1997 Metrolink was operated and maintained as a concession by Greater Manchester Metro Limited, and between 1997 and 2007 by Serco.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1454330_stagecoach-hand-over-control-of-metrolink-system-to-french-firm-ratp |title=Stagecoach hand over control of Metrolink system to French firm RATP |work=Manchester Evening News |date=2 August 2011 |last=Kirby |first=Dean |access-date=2 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811103614/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1454330_stagecoach-hand-over-control-of-metrolink-system-to-french-firm-ratp |archive-date=11 August 2011 |url-status=live }} When next tendered, a ten-year contract was awarded to the Stagecoach Group from 15 July 2007.{{cite press release |url=http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/media/news-releases/2007/2007-05-29.aspx |title=Stagecoach signs Manchester Metrolink contract |date=29 May 2007 |publisher=Stagecoach Group |access-date=28 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606233854/http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/media/news-releases/2007/2007-05-29.aspx |archive-date=6 June 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6899507.stm |title=Stagecoach take over tram service |date=15 July 2007 |access-date=1 November 2008 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831054359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6899507.stm |archive-date=31 August 2007 |url-status=live }}Stagecoach ousts Serco to run Manchester trams Rail issue 563 25 April 2007 page 6Stagecoach takes on trams Rail issue 571 1 August 2007 page 15 On 1 August 2011, RATP Group bought the balance of the contract from Stagecoach.

In January 2017, the Keolis/Amey consortium was announced as the successful bidder for the operating and maintenance (O&M) contract to run from 15 July 2017.[https://web.archive.org/web/20170202004336/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/southern-rail-operator-take-over-12471314 Southern Rail operator to take over running of Metrolink] Manchester Evening News 18 January 2017[https://web.archive.org/web/20181114131223/https://keolis.co.uk/our-brands/keolisamey-metrolink/ KeolisAmey Metrolink] Keolis Unsuccessful competing bidders were RATP, National Express and Transdev. KeolisAmey Metrolink's contract was later extended until July 2027.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240115223502/https://news.tfgm.com/press-releases/72d003d1-b370-48d7-a6c8-284753ce3834/transport-for-greater-manchester-extends-metrolink-operator-contract-with-keolisamey-metrolink-until-2027 Transport for Greater Manchester extends Metrolink operator contract with KeolisAmey Metrolink until 2027] Transport for Greater Manchester 11 January 2024

The key trends in recent years for Manchester Metrolink are (years ending 31 March):

File:Media city metrolink station2.jpg

Activities in the financial year 2020/21 were severely reduced by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic; the shortfall in fare income was funded by a grant from the UK central government's Department for Transport.

Detailed passenger journeys since Metrolink commenced operations in 1992 were:

|content={{Graph:Chart

| width=400

| height=210

| xAxisTitle=Year

| yAxisTitle=Million Passengers

| type=line

| x=1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023

| y=8.1,11.3,12.3,12.6,13.4,13.8,13.2,14.2,17.2,18.2,18.8,18.9,19.7,19.9,19.8,20.0,21.1,19.6,19.2,21.8,25.0,29.2,31.2,34.3,37.8,41.2,43.7,44.3,10.3,26.0,36.0,42.0

| yAxisMin=0

}}

|caption=Manchester Metrolink passenger numbers from 1992 to 2022{{Cite web |date=24 August 2022 |access-date = 25 August 2022 |title=Table LRT0101: Passenger journeys on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain – annual from 1983/84 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719478/lrt0101.ods |website=Department for Transport}}

|border=no

}}

Metrolink revised its method for calculating passenger boardings in 2010/11, meaning figures are not directly comparable with previous years.

A survey in 2012 revealed that 12% of people in Greater Manchester use Metrolink to travel to work, and 8% use the system every day. The system is most commonly used by 21- to 30-year-olds, and was used most markedly by residents of the Metropolitan Borough of Bury — accounting for around a third of their commuter journeys.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1586048_the-tram-its-great-apart-from-when-it-breaks |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421011506/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1586048_the-tram-its-great-apart-from-when-it-breaks |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News |title=The Tram: It's great ... apart from when it breaks |date=14 August 2012 |access-date=18 January 2013 }}

Passenger numbers were severely reduced due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, decreasing 76.7% in the year 2020/21.{{cite web|title= Light rail and tram statistics, England: year ending March 2021| publisher= Department for Transport| website=GOV.UK| date=23 June 2021| access-date=25 August 2022| url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2021/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2021}} In the year 2021/22, passenger numbers were still significantly below the level achieved before the pandemic.

A survey in 2012 revealed that passengers who used Metrolink every day for commuting rated service levels as poor and/or unreliable, with those respondents particularly frustrated by delays and disruptions. TfGM recognised that the older vehicles in its fleet – the T68/T68As — were outdated and the cause of much disruption, and agreed to replace them with M5000s by 2014. Among those who used Metrolink less regularly, the system scored far better in the survey. A survey in 2013 by the non-departmental government body Passenger Focus found that of the five major light rail systems in the United Kingdom – Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram, Nottingham Express Transit, Midlands Metro and Blackpool tramway – Metrolink had the lowest overall satisfaction rating in the United Kingdom. Respondents were surveyed on value for money, punctuality, seating availability, tram stops and overall satisfaction. Metrolink was below average on all criteria, and 47% believed Metrolink was value for money compared to a national average of 60%.{{Cite web |title=Manchester's Metrolink does not give value for money, say passengers |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-metrolink-not-give-value-6941968 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=9 April 2014 |access-date=9 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123450/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-metrolink-not-give-value-6941968 |archive-date=13 April 2014 |url-status=live }}

Subsequent surveys have shown increases in passenger satisfaction. A further survey in late 2015 by watchdog Transport Focus, found that satisfaction levels had increased; 89% of passengers surveyed said they were either 'very' or 'fairly' satisfied with their overall journey, up from 83% in 2013, but still below the national average of 92%. It also found that 58% felt the service was value for money.{{cite web|title=Metrolink passengers are 89 per cent satisfied with overall tram service, claims new survey|date=24 May 2016|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-89-per-cent-11380843|publisher=Manchester Evening News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222073741/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-89-per-cent-11380843|archive-date=22 December 2016|url-status=live}} The national average rating for value for money on all tram networks was 69%.{{cite web|title=Tram Passenger Survey reveals continual rise in passenger satisfaction|url=http://www.eurotransportmagazine.com/19348/news/industry-news/tram-passenger-survey-passenger-satisfaction/|publisher=Euro Transport Magazine|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220081738/http://www.eurotransportmagazine.com/19348/news/industry-news/tram-passenger-survey-passenger-satisfaction/|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} The follow-up survey in 2016 found further improvements, with 90% of respondents reporting they were either 'very' or 'fairly' satisfied with their overall journey, compared to the national average of 93%. 62% now felt the service was value for money, against a national average still of 69%, which although improved was still the lowest ranking of the six systems covered by the survey.{{cite web|title=Tram Passenger Survey, Key findings Autumn 2016|url=http://d3cez36w5wymxj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/13160233/Tram-Passenger-Survey-Autumn-2016-key-findings-report.pdf|publisher=Transport Focus|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213022044/http://d3cez36w5wymxj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/13160233/Tram-Passenger-Survey-Autumn-2016-key-findings-report.pdf|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live}} In early 2020, another survey was conducted, finding that 59% felt Metrolink was value for money.{{Cite web |title=Tram Passenger Survey (TPS) – Manchester Metrolink Winter 2019/20 results |url=https://d3cez36w5wymxj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/11093946/Tram-Passenger-Survey-2019-20-Manchester-Metrolink-Report-.pdf |access-date=5 January 2025}}

{{see also|History of Manchester Metrolink#Branding and publicity}}

File:Manchester metrolink logo.PNG

File:T68 and M5000.JPG & Bombardier M5000 trams in old and new livery in 2013]]

The standard corporate identity across the 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 Metrolink name. The logo, signage and publicity use the Pantograph sans regular typeface. Tram livery features yellow at the vehicle ends with grey sides and black doors, and a pattern of circles.

The corporate identity was created in October 2008 by Hemisphere Design & Marketing Consultants of Manchester, in collaboration with designer Peter Saville and the transport design agency Design Triangle.{{cite web|url=http://www.hemispheredmc.com/work.html|title=Work: a taster|year=2008|publisher=Hemisphere Design and Marketing Consultants|access-date=13 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422022207/http://www.hemispheredmc.com/work.html |archive-date=22 April 2008}}{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1072244_tram_design_on_the_right_track |title= Tram design on the right track |date=14 October 2008 |newspaper= Manchester Evening News |access-date=31 January 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150403123338/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/tram-design-on-the-right-track-970013 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=live}} The Pantograph typeface was specially commissioned from the Dalton Maag type foundry.{{cite web|url=http://www.daltonmaag.com/news/109.html|title=Linking It All Up|date=March 2009|work=Infoletter|publisher=Dalton Maag|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220162303/http://www.daltonmaag.com/news/109.html|archive-date=20 February 2012}} The design standard was applied to the Metrolink network when the new M5000 trams were introduced to the network.{{cite press release |url= http://www.gmpte.com/news.cfm?news_id=6080519|title=New look for new trams |date=8 October 2008 |publisher=GMPTE |access-date=20 June 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120302074730/http://www.tfgm.com/news.cfm?news_id=6080519 |archive-date=2 March 2012 |url-status=dead}} Hemisphere chose yellow for its high visibility and to reflect Greater Manchester's culture of confidence and optimism.{{sfn|GMPTE|2009|p=3}}

When the Metrolink network first came into operation in 1992, it used a system-wide colour scheme and vehicle livery of aquamarine, black and grey, along with a stylised "M" monogram placed at an angle within a circle. This branding, along with the Metrolink brand name, was devised by Fitch RS and Design Triangle,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=42}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=143}} and first revealed at a press launch in June 1988.{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=26–27}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=4}} Before this, during the planning stage, the system was known as "Light Rapid Transit" (LRT) and promotional material used an orange and brown identity used by Greater Manchester Transport and GM Buses.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=24}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=30}}

Transport planners in Greater Manchester describe Metrolink as both "an icon of Greater Manchester",{{sfn|TfGM|2012|p=23}} and "an integral part of the landscape in Greater Manchester".{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/129/129526_moving_plea_to_save_metrolink.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420171439/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/129/129526_moving_plea_to_save_metrolink.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |title=Moving plea to save Metrolink |work=Manchester Evening News |first=Clarissa |last=Satchell |date=6 September 2004 |access-date=19 January 2013 }} The Guardian describes Metrolink as "Manchester's efficient and much-loved tram system". Under the ownership of the Guardian Media Group, the Manchester Evening News spearheaded the Get Our Metrolink Back on Track campaign in 2004–05.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588852_oldham-metrolink-line-a-huge-success-with-250000-passengers-in-first-three-months |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420171233/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1588852_oldham-metrolink-line-a-huge-success-with-250000-passengers-in-first-three-months |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=8 January 2013 |date=15 September 2012 |title=Oldham Metrolink line a huge success with 250,000 passengers in first three months }} Under Trinity Mirror ownership, the Manchester Evening News used the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to reveal that Metrolink received over 10,000 complaints between May 2011 and May 2012.{{cite news |date=16 October 2012 |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1591222_10000-complaints-about-metrolink-in-one-year |title=10,000 complaints about Metrolink in one year |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020003253/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1591222_10000-complaints-about-metrolink-in-one-year |archive-date=20 October 2012 |url-status=live }}

Metrolink has had close connections with popular culture in Manchester and has taken advantage of the city's strong associations with football culture. Metrolink has been a "Football Development Partner" with the Manchester Football Association since August 2010,{{cite web |url= http://www.manchesterfa.com/partners-pages/partners/metrolink |title= Metrolink |publisher= Manchester Football Association |access-date= 19 January 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120419033155/http://www.manchesterfa.com/partners-pages/partners/metrolink |archive-date= 19 April 2012 |df= dmy-all }} meaning it is the association's Official Travel Partner and supports grassroots association football in Greater Manchester by selecting a "Team of the Month".{{cite news |url= http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/1590313_team-of-the-month-swinton-fc |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130422044439/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/1590313_team-of-the-month-swinton-fc |url-status= dead |archive-date= 22 April 2013 |title= Team of the month: Swinton FC |work= Manchester Evening News |date= 3 October 2012 |access-date= 19 January 2013 }} In 2013, then Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and players Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and James Milner recorded special stop announcements to be used on Metrolink's East Manchester Line on dates when Manchester City play at home at the City of Manchester Stadium (served by the Etihad Campus tram stop). The announcements were first used on 17 February 2013, for Manchester City's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds United{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-city-tram-pions-voice-announcements-1314105 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=12 February 2013 |title=Manchester City are tram-pions as they voice the announcements for new Etihad Metrolink stop |access-date=16 February 2013 |last=Keegan |first=Mike |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801064829/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-city-tram-pions-voice-announcements-1314105 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }}

Metrolink is a sponsor of the annual Manchester Food and Drink Festival.{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/s/1327221_metrolink_offers_travel_pass_for_food_and_drink_festival |title=Metrolink offers travel pass for Food and Drink Festival |work=Manchester Evening News |date=17 September 2010 |access-date=19 January 2013 |first=Pete |last=Bainbridge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126204054/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/s/1327221_metrolink_offers_travel_pass_for_food_and_drink_festival |archive-date=26 November 2010 |url-status=live }}

Metrolink has also featured in television drama. On 6 December 2010, the soap opera Coronation Street featured a storyline with an explosion which caused a crash on the Metrolink system at Weatherfield. The episode was written to celebrate the soap opera's 50th anniversary.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11935407 |title=Coronation Street tram crash pulls in 13m viewers |date=7 December 2010 |work=BBC News |access-date=23 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520204030/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11935407 |archive-date=20 May 2011 |url-status=live }} Although a fictitious event, at least six calls were made to GMPTE asking if services had been affected.{{cite news |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/are-the-trams-still-running-confused-viewers-904643 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=23 January 2013 |title=Are the trams still running?: 'Confused' viewers called Metrolink to check service after Coronation Street crash |first=Dean |last=Kirby |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801083008/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/are-the-trams-still-running-confused-viewers-904643 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }}

{{main|Proposed developments of Manchester Metrolink}}

Many speculative expansion proposals exist for new lines and stops, including the addition of tram-train technology.

As part of efforts to introduce tram-trains — vehicles that can operate on both light and heavy rail networks — the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) proposed three options for initial pathfinder schemes to test the application in Greater Manchester. One of these schemes, Pathfinder North, was submitted for funding as part of the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund. Pathfinder North proposes a new tram-train service from Oldham on Metrolink's Oldham & Rochdale line, connecting to the local heavy rail network at Rochdale railway station, and continuing on to Heywood and Bury on an existing railway no longer in regular passenger use.{{cite web|title=UK Light Rail Conference: Bouncing Back|url=https://www.systra.co.uk/IMG/pdf/365-370_taut_2109_uklrc21_1_.pdf|website=SYSTRA|publisher=Tramways & Urban Transit|access-date=1 August 2022}}{{cite web|title=How we're improving the borough|url=https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/improving-borough/how-were-improving-borough/6|website=rochdale.gov.uk|access-date=1 August 2022}} In July 2022 the GMCA received confirmation of initial funding to develop the pathfinder, including the purchase of up to seven new tram-train vehicles to run the service.{{cite web|title=City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements: confirmed delivery plans and funding allocations|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/city-region-sustainable-transport-settlements-confirmed-delivery-plans-and-funding-allocations|website=gov.uk|access-date=1 August 2022}}

As part of (now rejected) developments related to bringing High Speed 2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail to Manchester, High Speed Two Limited had proposed the present two-platform Piccadilly Metrolink stop at ground-level below the existing station platforms be relocated.{{Cite web|date=24 January 2022|title=Phase 2b Western Leg Information Paper F1: Manchester Piccadilly Station|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1048865/F1_Manchester_Piccadilly_Station_v1.pdf|access-date=28 January 2022|website=gov.uk}} A new larger four-platform stop located underground below the Manchester Piccadilly High Speed station was planned to replace it. Provision for a second ground-level Metrolink stop at the eastern end of the high speed station to service future Metrolink extensions, to be called Piccadilly Central, also formed part of the plans. At the proposed Manchester Airport High Speed station provision for a new Metrolink stop — potentially serving an extension from the existing Airport line — was also envisaged.{{cite web |title=Phase 2b Western Leg Information Paper F2: Manchester Airport High Speed Station |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1048866/F2_Manchester_Airport_High_Speed_Station_v1.pdf |website=gov.uk |publisher=High Speed Two Limited |access-date=28 January 2022}}

{{Portal|Greater Manchester}}

• List of tram and light-rail transit systems
• Manchester Corporation Tramways
• Transport in Manchester
• List of town tramway systems in England
• List of town tramway systems in the United Kingdom

{{Reflist|group=note}}

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{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite book|title=Superb: A Tribute to the Manchester Metrolink T68 & T68A Light Rail Vehicles|first1=Andrew|last1=Coward|first2=John E.|last2=Henderson|year=2014|location=Bacup, Lancashire|isbn=978-1-62407-917-7 }}
• {{cite book|title=A New Deal for Transport: The UK's struggle with the sustainable transport agenda|first1=Iain|last1=Docherty|first2=Jon|last2=Shaw|date=20 July 2011|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-4443-5551-2 }}
• {{cite book|last1=Donald|first1=T.|last2=Cross|first2=M.|first3=Roger|last3=Bristow|title=English Structure Planning|publisher=Routledge|year=1983|isbn=0-85086-094-6 }}
• {{cite book|author=GMPTE|author-link=Transport for Greater Manchester|year=2000|title=Metrolink, Transforming Our Future: A Network for the 21st Century|publisher=GMPTE Promotions|location=Manchester }}
• {{cite book|author=GMPTE|author-link=Transport for Greater Manchester|year=2003|title=Metrolink: A Network for the 21st Century|publisher=GMPTE Promotions|location=Manchester|url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met_brochure_0303.pdf}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• {{cite book|author=GMPTE |author-link=Transport for Greater Manchester |year=2009 |title=The Link/2: Metrolink news and developments from GMPTE |url=http://www.tfgm.com/corporate/documents/metrolink/metrolink_newsletter_260608.pdf |location=Manchester |publisher=GMPTE Promotions }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• {{cite book|author=GMPTE|author-link=Transport for Greater Manchester|year=2010|title=The Link/3: Metrolink news and developments from GMPTE|publisher=GMPTE Promotions|location=Manchester|issue=3|url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/The_Link_3.pdf}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• {{cite book|last=Holt|first=David|title=Manchester Metrolink|publisher=Platform 5 |location= Sheffield|year=1992|series=UK light rail systems; no. 1|isbn=1-872524-36-2 }}
• {{cite book |last1=Ogden |first1=Eric |last2=Senior |first2=John |title=Metrolink |publisher=Transport Publishing Company |location=Glossop, Derbyshire |year=1992 |isbn=0-86317-155-9 }}
• {{cite book|last1=Ogden|first1=Eric|last2=Senior|first2=John|title=Metrolink: Official Handbook|publisher=Transport Publishing Company|location=Glossop, Derbyshire|year=1991|isbn=0-86317-164-8 }}
• {{cite book|title=Metrolink: The First 25 Years|first=Mark|last=Ovenden|year=2017|publisher=Rails Publishing|isbn=978-1-85414-415-7 }}
• {{cite book |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/AnnualReportsBusinessPerformancePlans/11-0909-Ann_Performance-Report-AW.pdf |title=Annual Report 2011/2012: Connecting Greater Manchester |year=2012 |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |author=TfGM |location=Manchester |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302015458/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/AnnualReportsBusinessPerformancePlans/11-0909-Ann_Performance-Report-AW.pdf |archive-date=2 March 2014 }}
• {{cite book|url=http://www.tfgm.com/journey_planning/LTP3/Documents/Greater_Manchester_Local_Transport_Plan_Core_Strategy.pdf|publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester|title=Greater Manchester's third Local Transport Plan 2011/12 – 2015/16|year=2011|author1=TfGM|author2=GMCA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233802/http://www.tfgm.com/journey_planning/LTP3/Documents/Greater_Manchester_Local_Transport_Plan_Core_Strategy.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}}
• {{cite book|title=The Enterprising City Centre: Manchester's Development Challenge|first=Gwyndaf|last=Williams|year=2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-25262-1 }}
• Worthington, Barry (2014) The Metrolink Companion. Sigma Leisure. {{ISBN|978-1-85058-977-8}}
• {{cite book|title=Tramways in Rochdale: Steam, Electric and Metrolink|first=Tony|last=Young|year=2008|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|isbn=978-0-948106-34-7 }}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons}}

{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://tfgm.com/public-transport/tram/network-map Official route map]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20161028232331/http://lrta.org/Manchester/index.html www.lrta.org/manchester], a historical account of Metrolink from the Light Rail Transit Association

{{Manchester Metrolink tram stops}}

{{Transport in Greater Manchester}}

{{UK light rail}}

{{Britishmetros}}

{{Keolis}}

{{StagecoachGroup}}

Category:Electric railways in the United Kingdom

Category:Light rail in the United Kingdom

Category:Railway lines opened in 1992

Category:Keolis

Category:Stagecoach Group

Category:Tram transport in England

Category:1992 establishments in England

Category:750 V DC railway electrification