Manchester builds its first metro: how the underground will change the city for £6 million.

Large-scale public transport renewal project

According to The Sun: Manchester, one of the most attractive cities in the UK, will receive £6 million to renew its tram and rail infrastructure and plans to create its first-ever underground network.

This significant financial contribution to the Bee Network project will help to expand tram and rail routes across the city.

This project is part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's transport strategy, which aims to provide easy access to public transport for 90% of the city's residents.

Goals and future plans

The main goal is to ensure bus or tram connections within a five-minute walk with intervals of 30 minutes by 2030. The funding received will help accelerate the exciting plans for transport development in the region, including the 'very early' design of the central underground system.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, stated that all parts of the city must feel the benefits of regional growth.

“This latest funding allows us to advance the project for new tram lines and extensions – and ultimately the underground infrastructure in the city center so that we have public transport that matches the status of a global urban region,”

He also added that it is important to provide residents with alternative options instead of using cars, as more people use the Bee Network.

Projects that will receive funding

Several projects will benefit from the new funding, including the feasibility study of the central underground network in the city center. Work has already begun to finalize the business case for extending Metrolink between East Didsbury and Stockport, construction of which is planned for 2030.

• Progress is expected on the 'Western Phase' of the airport line, which may include stops near Wythenshawe Hospital, Davenport Green, Altrincham, Stockport, and the Mid-Cheshire line.
• Preparation for the northwest connection is planned, including Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, with possible stops in Leigh and Wigan.
• Plans to connect to Middleton, North Gates, Trafford Waters, Salford Port, and West Gates will also be reviewed.
• Plans to protect possible future routes to Glossop, Hatfield, Marple, and Warrington are scheduled.
• The construction of the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury tram line is scheduled to begin in 2028.
• Acquisition of a new fleet of 'next-generation trams' with a extended passage design is also planned.

Economic growth

Vernon Everett, the transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, noted:

“Better transport is a key driver of economic growth, productivity, and improved access to housing, jobs, and broad opportunities for all residents of Greater Manchester.”

He added that new projects will contribute to creating an integrated Bee Network that meets the needs of residents and businesses in this rapidly growing region. This news comes after The Sun reported last month on ambitious plans to create an underground network of trams and trains. If the scheme is implemented, it will be one of the most significant transport upgrades in Manchester's history.

This will add an underground level to the expanding Bee Network and help reduce congestion in the face of the city's population and economic growth.