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Metrolink : Routes : Metrolink routes

The initial Metrolink network was formed of two converted railway lines, linked across the city centre. Since opening in 1992, one extension has been completed and several more are planned.

Present network

The present Metrolink system consists of three main lines and a city centre spur. The original routes, now referred to as Phase 1, run from Manchester to Bury in the north and Altrincham in the south. These lines were converted from main line railway routes, and linked across the city centre by a street-running section from Victoria station to G-Mex (next to Deansgate station). There is also a spur in the city to Piccadilly main line station. These lines opened in 1992.

Following on from the success of the initial network, construction began in 1997 on the Phase 2 line through the redeveloped Salford Docks to Eccles, in the west of Manchester. This partially opened in 1999, with full service commencing in 2000.

Future extensions

Phase 3, also known as the Big Bang, was an ambitious expansion programme which would have seen trams running to Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne, Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport. Phase 3 has now been split into two sections: Phase 3a will involve taking over the main line railway to Oldham and Rochdale station, as well as extensions to Droylsden and to Chorlton-Cum-Hardy; Phase 3b, which is dependent on additional funding from the Transport Innovation Fund, will complete Phase 3 with further extensions to Manchester Airport and Didsbury (from Chorlton), Ashton-under-Lyne (from Droylsden) and Rochdale town centre (from Rochdale railway station), as well as building a new on-street alignment through Oldham town centre bypassing a section of the current railway line.

Further extensions are also planned, from Didsbury to Stockport, and to The Lowry and to the Trafford Centre in Trafford Park (from the Eccles line).

Click for a map of Metrolink in the city centre.