Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is introducing more than 20 new trams to its Metrolink network to boost capacity and provide more space for social distancing.
Some 27 trams will arrive in early November for testing and commissioning, with the first tram expected to be in service by Christmas. Additional trams will be added to the service in the new year.
According to TfGM, the M5000 trams will increase capacity on the network by 15% and allow the operator to run more double trams for customers.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Public safety has, and will remain, my absolute priority as we continue to navigate our way out of this pandemic – and these new trams will be vital to helping us provide more capacity on Metrolink when we come out of lockdown and once again focus on building back better from this virus.
“We know concerns over using public transport – including social distancing – can be a real barrier that prevents people from travelling, and measures like this will help restore and build confidence in our networks.”
Funding for the new trams has come from the Transforming Cities Fund and is part of a wider congestion deal that aims to provide an alternative to driving by improving public transport.
As the country is currently in a four-week national lockdown, Burnham stressed that people should only travel for legally permitted reasons including work, education, caring, medical reasons, visiting shops and other venues that are open and exercise.
