Tram-mendous Turnout: Metrolink Smashes Records on Marathon Day

Greater Manchester’s tram network has hit a new milestone, recording its busiest day ever as thousands flocked to the city for the Manchester Marathon.

On Sunday 19 April, more than 200,000 passengers used the Metrolink system, with a total of 202,437 journeys made across the network. The surge in demand came as a record-breaking 42,000 runners took part in the marathon, alongside an estimated 150,000 spectators lining the route.

Trams played a vital role in keeping the city moving, providing key access points for both participants and supporters travelling between Manchester and Trafford. The figure marks a 97% increase compared to the 102,594 journeys recorded during the 2021 marathon.

It wasn’t just trams seeing a spike in usage. Greater Manchester’s Starling Bank cycle hire scheme also enjoyed a record day, with 2,540 rides logged—the highest number ever recorded on a Sunday and surpassing last year’s marathon total.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), praised the success of the day, highlighting the importance of the transport network in supporting major events.

He said the strong demand across both trams and cycle hire demonstrated just how vital these services are in helping people travel safely and efficiently during large-scale occasions. He also acknowledged the extensive planning and coordination between partners to ensure the marathon ran smoothly.

With record-breaking numbers on the roads and rails, the event proved not only a triumph for runners, but also a standout day for Greater Manchester’s transport network—firmly cementing its role at the heart of the city’s biggest moments.