Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is overseeing a £575 million expansion of the network to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester. Construction work is due to start early next year.

Tram services will run from St Werburgh’s Road to Manchester every 6 minutes when the route opens.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Manchester’s spokesperson on the Passenger Transport Authority, said: “One of the biggest benefits of Metrolink is that it provides a frequent service, making it more convenient.

“Passengers don’t have to worry about checking a timetable before they leave home. They can simply turn up at a Metrolink stop and buy a ticket knowing that a tram will be along in a few minutes time.

“The trams on the new Metrolink line to Chorlton will be as frequent as on the existing lines, with trams passing stops every 6 minutes in both directions. I’m looking forward to seeing them become a familiar sight in South Manchester.”

The three new Metrolink lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 26 stops. Trains will stop running on the train line to Oldham and Rochdale in autumn 2009, with the new Metrolink line expected to open to trams between Manchester and Central Park in East Manchester in spring 2011.

Trams are also due to begin running to St Werburgh’s Road in Chorlton in spring 2011, Oldham Mumps in autumn 2011, and to Rochdale and Droylsden in spring 2012.

Transport bosses are developing proposals for alternative bus services along the Oldham and Rochdale line while the work takes place. Detailed information will be provided to passengers nearer the time