01.12.16
First test trams run along Manchester’s Second City Crossing
The first trams have been tested on Manchester’s new Second City Crossing in the early hours of this morning (1 December).
The new line, which is due to open to passengers early next year, will allow for more frequent services on the city’s 93-stop Metrolink network and the extension of Manchester Airport services from Cornbrook to Deansgate-Castlefield.
Second City will connect the new St Peter’s Square stop to Exchange Square and Victoria Station via Princess Street and Cross Street.
Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink director, said: “This is an exciting time as we gear up to open this new line through the heart of the city early next year.
“As we prepare to open the line there will be changes to some local road layouts and further tram testing, so I’d urge pedestrians and all road users to be mindful and aware when travelling in the area.”
The latest edition of RTM, out now, features an article by Cushing on the Second City project.
The trams were tested on the St Peter’s-Exchange Square route. TfGM will carry out further testing, infrastructure checks and driver training after a break over the Christmas period.
The Second City Crossing is part of the Grow project, which will deliver £1bn investment in Manchester’s transport network by 2017, including the Bus Priority Package, the Northern Hub for rail services, and six new cycle routes.
Metrolink has also received government approval for a new £350m Trafford Park Line.
A recent Freedom of Information request by RTM found that fare-dodging has cost Metrolink £8m in the past three years.
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