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Stagecoach to run Metrolink from July

29/05/2007

Stagecoach has confirmed that it has signed a ten-year deal with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) to manage the city region's Metrolink service, currently run by Serco.

The contract will start in July and includes the management of several projects sponsored by the GMPTE to improve both the trams and infrastructure.

Stagecoach, which already runs a bus service in Greater Manchester, announced it will also operate tram services on the new Metrolink lines to Rochdale, Oldham, Droylsden and Chorlton.

"We believe there is significant potential for growth on the Metrolink network," said Stagecoach boss Ian Dobbs, according to ShareCast.

The travel services company was named preferred bidder to run the conurbation's light rail system at the beginning of April.

Stagecoach, which already has experience of managing the Supertram system in Sheffield, beat several other "high-calibre bids" and will now run the overground rail system for the next decade.

According to the GMPTE, passengers now make 55,000 journeys on Metrolink every day, which amounts to nearly 20 million a year.


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