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Tuesday, 10 April 2007Eight new trams on order for Metrolink
Transport bosses in Greater Manchester have signed a multi-million pound deal to bring eight new trams to the Metrolink network.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is investing £17 million in the new type of trams, which will be built by Canadian transport company Bombardier in partnership with Vossloh Kiepe. The FLEXITY Swift model already operates in several European cities, including Cologne, Bonn, Rotterdam and Stockholm.
The new trams are due to be introduced to the Metrolink system during 2009 as part of a £100 million scheme to improve the existing network. 20 miles of worn-out track on the Bury and Altrincham lines is also being replaced this summer, and other improvements include new ticket machines and stop upgrades.
The Chair of the Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Roger Jones, said: "This is fantastic news for Metrolink passengers, who now make around 55,000 journeys on the network every day. The eight new trams will help to tackle overcrowding at peak times and improve the reliability and performance of services.
"This new model of tram will help to transform Metrolink. We expect to be able to place an order for at least 28 more in the near future for the first phase of the Metrolink expansion. We've secured more than half a billion pounds to build new lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester, and work is due to start next year. This is just the start of a bright future for Metrolink."
Colin Walton, Chairman of Bombardier Transportation UK, said: "We are delighted to contribute to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's plans in increasing the attractiveness of public transport services and to be able to positively influence mobility for people travelling within and around Manchester.
"This order confirms the confidence in Bombardier as a supplier of reliable urban transport solutions and the appreciation of our tram and light rail vehicle portfolio. In the UK, our technically mature and efficient vehicles are already in daily revenue service in the Docklands in London, Croydon and Nottingham."
The new trams will be 28.4 metres long and 2.65 metres wide. Up to 200 passengers will be able to travel on each tram and wide double doors will make it easy for people with wheelchairs or child buggies to get on and off them. Bombardier will design and manufacture the trams at its sites in Bautzen in Germany and Vienna in Austria.
There are currently 32 trams operating on the Metrolink network. The eight new trams will allow transport bosses to run more double trams during peak times. Services on the Bury and Altrincham lines will continue to run every 6 minutes during the day, from Monday to Saturday, and every 12 minutes at most other times. Services on the Eccles line will continue to run every 12 minutes at most times.
Media contact: David Harris or Jonathan Morgan on 0161 244 1055 or 07876 348 050, or email communications@gmpte.gov.uk
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