Manchester's Metrolink celebrates 25th anniversary
It's now the largest tram network in the UK with 37 million journeys made on it every year
Manchester's Metrolink is celebrating its 25th anniversary today.
Millions of us now use the largest tram network in the UK since it opened its doors in 1992.
25 years ago today - the first trams started running between Bury and Manchester Victoria - The Queen officially opened the network at Bury station.
Since then it's tripled in size - and 120 trams now cover 60 miles across Greater Manchester.
It's set to get even bigger over the next 25 years with the Second City Crossing and Trafford Centre line.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee, said: “Having overseen the development of the original plans to reintroduce a tram system to Greater Manchester, I’m immensely proud to see the positive impact it’s made to so many people’s lives.
“It took 10 years to develop the first lines out to Bury and Altrincham, so you could say that today’s birthday is in fact the realisation of 35 years of careful planning and commitment by a great many people.
“Metrolink was developed with the future in mind so it was inevitable that expansion was on the cards. It was absolutely essential that we were able to serve areas where population growth was expected, but to also be flexible enough to adapt to those places where it perhaps wasn’t forecast back in 1982 – like Salford Quays and east Manchester.
“This year has already seen us deliver the Second City Crossing and start work on a new line out to the Trafford Centre and that’s a real testament to the fact that we don’t rest on our laurels. Here’s to another 25 years of growth.”
Danny Vaughan, TfGM Head of Operations for Metrolink, said: “The Metrolink story is remarkable and I’m proud to now be a part of that story..
“Having delivered a transformational construction programme that’s unparalleled in the light rail industry in terms of the size and scale of growth, it’s fitting that we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary in such a bumper year.
“I’m delighted to be at the helm of a network that is so forward-thinking, but it would be remiss of me to not pay homage to everyone who has helped to craft and shape such an iconic symbol of Greater Manchester over the last 25 years.”
As part of a number of events to mark the silver jubilee year, TfGM is partnering with the Bridgewater Hall – which celebrates a 21st anniversary this year – to create one epic creative music project, which will be launched during a special event at the Bridgewater Hall later today.