Devo deal to unlock £350m for Metrolink to go to Trafford Park

THE city region devolution deal agreed between the Government and local authority leaders will unlock around £350m for a further extension of the Metrolink tram system, taking it to the Trafford Centre and the Trafford Park industrial zone.

Chancellor George Osborne was in the city on Monday to sign the deal and officially open the latest leg of the Metrolink, to Manchester Airport.

Mr Osborne, one the architects of the new devolution deal, which is a key part of his Northern Powerhouse strategy, said: “I am delighted to be able to mark the opening of the new Metrolink line to Manchester airport over 12 months ahead of schedule.  The network now covers over 92km and is a vital economic asset for Manchester.

“It is also great news that, thanks to the devolution deal I have agreed with Manchester today, there will be a further £350m extension to Trafford which will provide significant additional benefits to the city.

“The Metrolink will come under the powers of the new Mayor, supporting an Oyster-style travelcard system that will make traveling on the network and all of Greater Manchester’s public transport simpler and easier.

“These are exactly the sort of transport improvements that will not only allow Manchester to prosper and thrive but also help turn our vision of a Northern Powerhouse economy into reality.”

Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, added: “The historic announcement marks nothing less than a new era for commuters in Greater Manchester, one in which they can look forward to the sort of seamless travel they may have experienced in London moving from the tube to bus.

“This deal will, subject to consultation, allow us to move to a model of bus franchising, similar to the system used in London, providing us with the ability to set bus routes, frequencies and fares for the benefit of the people of Greater Manchester.

“There is sound reasoning for adopting this approach, not only will bus passengers benefit from a truly integrated network, it will also help to support the continued economic growth of the region.

“The deal also unlocks access to very substantial amounts of transport funding – providing more certainty and the ability to plan ahead. Not only that, it means that we can move ahead with the construction of the Metrolink line through Trafford Park to the Trafford Centre, a scheme which will benefit thousands of people and many businesses in the area.”

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