Now it’s official: trams finally on way
Date published: 03 August 2010
Finally on their way. How the trams will look.
TRAMS have been given the green light to roll into Union Street by spring 2014.
Greater Manchester transport bosses have approved the £89 million extension into the heart of Oldham. The 1.5 mile (2.4 km) line will replace part of the temporary Metrolink route, currently under construction, which by-passes the town centre.
It is part of an historic £500 million package for three new extensions also taking trams to Rochdale town centre and Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe.
Deputy Oldham Council leader Jackie Stanton said: “This is exciting news that enables our borough to look forward with confidence that we will be in a strong position to capitalise when the economic recovery arrives. This decision confirms that we will now get a futuristic new transport interchange located at Mumps — including a park and ride scheme — and also allows us to redraw the area and stimulate its regeneration.”
The council recently announced a £5 million package to remodel Mumps and Councillor Stanton added: “That, coupled with the arrival of the tram in the town centre, will be a fantastic catalyst for economic development and prosperity: creating new jobs and essential infrastructure that will put Oldham on the map.”
The funding agreed by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities includes 14 new trams for the three extensions. It comes from the £1.5 billion Greater Manchester Transport Fund investment programme created by council leaders and transport bosses.
Councillor Ian Macdonald, chairman of the of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, said: “We are delighted that we are now at a stage where we can press ahead with delivering Metrolink lines to Manchester Airport and Oldham and Rochdale town centres. This further expansion of the Metrolink network will be a real boost both to the local areas as well as Greater Manchester as a whole, supporting the future growth of the regional economy, taking car journeys off the roads and vastly improving public transport links.”
