The first tram to Trafford Centre is 7 months early
THE new Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre will open on March 22seven months earlier than planned.
The line will also stop at Trafford Park; Old Trafford stadium; and Imperial War Museum North.
Trafford council has contributed £20m towards the construction of the line. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “It’s great that the Trafford Park line will open for business on Sunday, March, 22.
“It is a much-needed addition to the Metrolink network and will encourage more people to use public transport to journey around our city-region, and in doing so reduce congestion on our roads and improve the quality of our air.
“Last June, I set out Our Network a vision for the type of world-class transport network I want us to have here in Greater Manchester.
“This new line is a great step towards that, and a shining example of what we can deliver with the right funding and powers.”
Council bosses are hoping the new line will mean less car journeys.
Leader of Trafford council,
Andrew Western, said: “The opening will be hugely important for the continued development of the local and regional economy. It is fantastic news for the tens of thousands of people who come to Trafford Park and the surrounding areas for work and leisure.
“It will also help get more cars off the road as visitors will now have a real transport alternative via Metrolink to some of the country’s most famous retail and leisure destinations including Manchester United and the Imperial War Museum.” Transport for Greater
Manchester’s Chief Executive Eamonn Boylan said: “A project of this size and scale is a huge undertaking and we are pleased at how smoothly it’s come together, meaning we’re opening the line much sooner than we anticipated.
“We’re very pleased to be welcoming passengers on board and opening up the Trafford Park area for workers, shoppers and visitors. I have no doubt it’ll make a huge difference to the area, particularly to the many local businesses.
“One particularly exciting partnership we’ve developed has been with intu Trafford Centre” he said.