THE LATEST extension to Manchester Metrolink has opened at least a month ahead of schedule.
Transport for Greater Manchester had earlier said that the 4.4km extension of the South Manchester Line to East Didsbury would open in 'summer 2013', but in fact trams began running on 23 May.
There are five new stops on the extension from St Werburgh's Road – at Withington, Burton Road, West Didsbury, Didsbury Village and the terminus at East Didsbury – where there is a 302-space car park.
Trams are running every 12 minutes during most of the day.
This latest extension takes the total Metrolink network route length to just over 73km. Councillor Andrew Fender, who chairs the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce the opening of this new line several months earlier than we expected.
“It’s something that I, personally, have been promoting for more than 30 years, but for it to be complete so far ahead of schedule is a wonderful achievement, and my thanks for that go to TfGM, our local authority partners and, of course, our contractor, MPT.
“I am particularly pleased that the last government committed funding for this project before the last general election. This ensured that the contract was signed before the spending axe fell."
Councillor Nigel Murphy, executive member for Environment for Manchester City Council, added: “Having a well-connected city where people can easily access employment, social and leisure opportunities is absolutely fundamental to Manchester’s future success."
Further lines are currently being built to Ashton, Oldham/Rochdale and Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe. A second line across the city centre is also being developed, because the number of trams running through the city in future will be too many for the existing line and its major junction at Piccadilly Gardens.