The GMPTE have announced that the preferred bidder to design, construct and maintain the extensions to Manchester Metrolink is the M-Pact Thales consortium. The companies making up the consortium are Thales UK, Laing O’Rourke and GrantRail. The contract will see Metrolink extend to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester – nearly doubling the size of the network.
David Leather, GMPTE’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “Metrolink has been a massive success since the first lines to Bury and Altrincham opened in 1992. I'm delighted we've now selected a preferred bidder for this major expansion of the tram network. This consortium brings a wealth of experience, having worked on tram systems across the UK - including Metrolink. The team also have offices in Manchester and so have a good understanding of the areas they will be building the new lines in. I look forward to working with them to bring all the benefits of Metrolink to thousands more people across Greater Manchester."
GMPTE will now go back to the DfT to obtain final sign off for the project which will then enable a contract to be agreed with the consortium. The final contract will also include the proposed mediacity:uk line in Salford Quays. These lines are not reliant on the bid for money through the Transport Innovation Fund – this would see additional extensions into the town centres of Oldham and Rochdale and to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre.
Source: GMPTE