TfGM launches major £150m Metrolink upgrade programme

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced a major programme of work aimed at strengthening the capacity, resilience and reliability of the Metrolink tram network.

The improvements form part of a £150 million investment programme to maintain, upgrade and improve tram infrastructure across the city region, supporting the continued development of the Bee Network.

The works will begin this spring and continue through to autumn, with TfGM warning passengers that temporary disruption and timetable changes will occur while the upgrades are carried out.

Network upgrades across key locations

Initial works will take place at several locations across the Metrolink network, including Trafford Bar, Deansgate-Castlefield, Monsall, Newton Heath & Moston, Eccles, Derker and Piccadilly Gardens.

Preparatory works will begin over the Easter weekend (3–6 April) at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield, laying the foundations for a full track replacement later in the year.

During this period, tram services on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines will be suspended, while services on the East Didsbury and Airport lines will operate only as far as Firswood.

Temporary timetable changes

A revised timetable will be introduced from Monday 30 March until autumn, with trams running every 15 minutesacross the network.

Additional peak services will operate every 7.5 minutes on the busiest lines, while double trams will be deployed to increase passenger capacity in high-demand areas.

TfGM and Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) will also use the opportunity to deep clean, maintain and upgrade trams that are temporarily out of service during the works.

Investment in workforce and resilience

Alongside infrastructure improvements, TfGM has launched a major recruitment drive for new tram drivers, aimed at strengthening workforce resilience and supporting future network growth.

Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said the programme represents one of the most significant investments ever undertaken on the network.

“Keeping our network safe, reliable and ready for the future is our absolute priority,” he said.

“This year’s programme is one of the most significant we’ve ever undertaken and will strengthen the whole network — our track, our trams and our workforce.”

He added that while passengers may experience disruption during the works, the upgrades will reduce faults, improve reliability and support the growing number of people using the network.

TfGM says the investment will help ensure Metrolink continues to play a key role in delivering safe, accessible and sustainable public transport across Greater Manchester.