Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has initiated the procurement process for the upcoming operating and maintenance contract for Metrolink, the UK's largest light-rail network. As an integral part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester's integrated public transport and active travel system, Metrolink trams cover 99 stops across eight lines and 103 km of track.
KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) has been managing the network since July 2017. With the current contract set to expire in 2027, TfGM is now seeking a new operator and maintainer for Metrolink. This contract, valued at approximately £1.6 billion, will span up to 11 years.
This period will be marked by significant changes in Greater Manchester, with substantial investments in transport, housing, innovation, and the net-zero economy at six key locations. These developments aim to drive growth, create jobs, and deliver benefits across all 10 boroughs.
The new contract will also support the future expansion of Metrolink to other parts of Greater Manchester. Ongoing assessments are exploring options for new, extended, and converted lines, including tram-train services that integrate light and heavy rail networks.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“Metrolink is at the heart of Greater Manchester’s public transport and active travel network with record numbers of people choosing to use it. By introducing tap and go payment on buses and integrating that with contactless payment on Metrolink, we are making travelling by public transport more convenient, affordable and accessible for everyone.
“Greater Manchester is growing strongly with increasing investment and development across the city-region opening up access to new homes, jobs and opportunity. Metrolink is core to enabling that sustainable growth and we continue to work on plans to improve day-to-day services and extend the network to other parts of the region."
Metrolink celebrated a record-breaking year in 2024, achieving the highest number of passenger journeys in a single calendar year with 45.6 million trips. Last November was particularly notable, as it marked the busiest month in Metrolink's 33-year history, with 4.2 million passengers.
Another significant milestone was reached this year with 50 million journeys made using contactless payments. Since its introduction in 2019, contactless has become the preferred payment method for tram travel.
As of March, the contactless 'tap and go' system has been extended to include Bee Network buses and Metrolink. This integration allows passengers to travel seamlessly between buses and trams, with fares automatically calculated to ensure they pay the best value fare, up to the daily or weekly cap.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said:
“With patronage at record levels and plans to add further capacity and expand its network, it’s an exciting time for Metrolink which is in a strong position to continue playing a vital role in the Bee Network and enabling the growth of the Greater Manchester economy.
“In order to maintain this positive momentum, we’re hoping to enter into a new arrangement which better aligns Metrolink with our franchised buses and plans to integrate with local rail services, while also paving the way for even more integration and an improved customer experience.”
A planned procurement notice issued on Thursday 24th April sets out the scope of the contract, which includes:
- Operating Metrolink services
- Inspecting, maintaining, repairing and cleaning Metrolink assets and infrastructure
- Identifying and notifying TfGM of renewal works required to Metrolink assets
- Supporting TfGM in delivering future enhancements to Metrolink such as building new lines and stops, rolling out new trams and working on the installation of new signalling systems
Once the procurement notice is issued, TfGM will host a market engagement day on Tuesday 10th June where potential bidders can find out more about the opportunity and procurement process. A subsequent market engagement notice to publicise this event will be issued on 15th May.
Image credits: TfGM & iStock
