Plans for the expansion of Greater Manchester’s tram and train network have progressed after transport leaders confirmed a pipeline of ‘rapid transit’ schemes for the future in the region.
Funding was signed off by the Bee Network Committee and the plans discussed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Launched as part of the Greater Manchester Strategy in July, the mayor and local council leaders pledged for 90% of people in city-region to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes by 2030.
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The £6m funding will pay for advancing planning work on tram and tram-train projects including finalising the Strategic Outline Case for extending Metrolink to Stockport from East Didsbury this autumn.
With construction to begin in 2030, the case will also explore the potential for tram-train connections to Hazel Grove, Tameside via Denton and Reddish, and Manchester Airport.
Work will also start this year on the Strategic Outline Case for completion of the Metrolink Airport Line ‘Western Leg’, which would serve a number of areas at Manchester Airport, Wythenshawe Hospital and Davenport Green.
The case will also explore the potential for tram-train connections to Stockport, Altrincham and the Mid-Cheshire Line.
In summer 2026, preparation will start on the Strategic Outline Case for expanding Metrolink connections to Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, and out to the North-West of the city-region including options for links to Leigh, Wigan and Bolton.
The Bee Network Committee also said that further work in 2025 will also look at all the options for Middleton & the Northern Gateway and Trafford Waters, Port Salford & the Western Gateway and shape their business cases.
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The work is all part of a plan to link every borough in Greater Manchester to the Metrolink network, with a long-term plan for major expansion of the Bee Network.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Every part of our city region needs to feel the benefits of Greater Manchester’s growth.
“To make sure that happens, we’ve pledged to connect our people and communities to new opportunities better than ever before.
“We’re planning to connect all ten boroughs to the ever-popular Metrolink network as part of a long-term, sustained expansion of the Bee Network.
“This latest funding means we can develop the case for a pipeline of both tram and tram-train new lines and extensions – and ultimately underground infrastructure in the city centre – to make sure we get a public transport system befitting the global city region we are.
“More people are getting on board the Bee Network, but we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to plan ahead to accommodate continued growth, with more tram, bus and train routes giving people a viable alternative to the car.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
