Rail bosses in £72m deal to ease overcrowding
TRANSPORT bosses have signed a £72m deal to provide 27 new Metrolink trams to ease overcrowding at busy periods.
But the rush-hour crush won’t be ending any time soon – the trams aren’t expected until 2020.
The contract – with manufacturer Bombardier Transportation UK and Kiepe Electric – will increase capacity on the nation’s biggest tram network by 15 per cent.
The new trams will provide 4,800 extra spaces and will be used to run more ‘double’ trams on the busiest lines. The first tram is expected to arrive in February 2020, with others following every month until June 2021. It’s all part of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s ‘Congestion Deal,’ which also aims to encourage more cycling and walking as well as improving air quality.
Announcing the contract for the 27 new trams on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester, Mayor Burnham said: “Greater Manchester is growing. That means more jobs, more people and more demand on our public transport networks and these new trams will be a very welcome – and much needed – addition to the Metrolink fleet. By significantly enhancing capacity we will enable more people to leave their cars at home and use Metrolink to commute to their jobs, access essential services and explore our amazing city-region.
“That means less congestion on our roads, less pollution in our air and a better quality of life for everyone.”
The new trams will be the same M5000 model as the existing fleet, each with capacity for 206 people and with a maximum speed of 50mph. The new trams are being funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
They were first announced as part of the ‘Congestion Deal’ unveiled earlier this year.
Richard Hunter, Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation UK said: “We are delighted to have been selected by TfGM to provide a further fleet of Bombardier’s FLEXITY M5000 light rail vehicles to add to the 120 cars already in operation.
“We are proud to support Andy Burnham’s aim of encouraging people across the city-region to leave their cars at home.”
Juergen Voelkner, of Kiepe Electric said: “TfGM has been our customer for many years. We and our partner Bombardier are very happy that TfGM has ordered further M5000 light rail vehicles.”