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Metrolink to install new substations

Posted: 28 March 2017 | Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

As part of a multi-million pound improvement package, two new substations are set to be installed to provide additional power and resilience across Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network – enabling more vehicles to run.

Go ahead given for Trafford Park Metrolink line in Manchester

Metrolink in Manchester

As part of a multi-million pound improvement package, two new substations are set to be installed to provide additional power and resilience across Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network – enabling more vehicles to run.

Go ahead given for Trafford Park Metrolink line in Manchester

Metrolink in Manchester

“As the largest light rail network in the country, there are hundreds of thousands of journeys made and tens of thousands of miles covered on Metrolink each and every week,” said Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). “It is therefore absolutely vital that we invest in our infrastructure to ensure we have the necessary capability, resilience and reliability to meet these demands.”

The Metrolink

The Metrolink is the UK’s largest light rail network, covering more than 60 miles with 93 stops across seven lines and hosting 37 million passenger journeys every year. Along with a recently installed wheel lathe at the Trafford depot, a new ‘turnback’ at Sale and 16 additional trams, which are now running on the network, the £44m improvement package will enhance the capability of the network, increase resilience and improve operational reliability.

“We will soon be carrying over 40 million passengers annually…”

“As a result of Metrolink’s recent expansion we’ve seen passenger numbers increase year-on-year, with 37 million journeys made in 2016,” Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, added. “We will soon be carrying over 40 million passengers annually and providing additional power to the network will help us to sustain that growth.”

Preparation for these works will begin on 29 March and will take six to eight weeks to complete.