Manchester Metrolink’s Trafford Park line (which opened to the public in March 2020) is said to have been a major catalyst in boosting regeneration and economic growth across the area, whilst also helping to take cars off the road.
The line has encouraged thousands to switch from cars and taxis to public transport, with nearly 700,000 car journeys taken off the roads between April 2024 and March 2025 alone. And a third of passengers said they would have used a car or taxi if the tram wasn’t available, and 90% agreed it offers an attractive alternative to driving.
In addition the line has played a key role in attracting investment and supporting new developments, with planning activity in Trafford Park doubling since the line opened. The average value of planning applications has also risen significantly, by 76%.
Large scale planning applications combined with a rise in applications exceeding £10 million since the line opened suggests that there is an increased attractiveness for high-value investment, contributing to the area’s economic appeal. Major projects like the £250 million Theme Manchester wellbeing resort have cited the improved transport links as a key factor in choosing the location.
There’s also been a notable growth in the number of residential development planning applications, particularly around MediaCityUK and the Wharfside Metrolink stop. While MediaCityUK is not on the Trafford Park line, the Salford Quays and MediaCity footbridges provide connectivity from the line to the MediaCityUK and Salford Quays area.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Manchester, said: “The Trafford Park line launched in very difficult circumstances at the start of COVID but is now an integral part of the UK’s largest tram network, supporting growth and regeneration and connecting growing numbers of people to jobs and some of the best visitor attractions in Greater Manchester.
“The benefits of this line are clear, and we are working hard to bring these kinds of opportunities to other parts of the city-region. Backed by £2.5bn funding from government to deliver transport projects through to the early 2030s, we have exciting plans to further transform the Bee Network and unlock even more growth, prosperity and opportunity across the city-region.”
With most of the line segregated from other traffic means it offers faster journeys than other forms of transport, especially at peak times. For example, evening trips to the Trafford Centre and Manchester City Centre, are 10 minutes quicker by tram than bus.
The benefits of the line also go beyond travel and regeneration. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of businesses in the area grew by 9%, despite wider economic challenges. Residential property prices rose by 31.7% between 2020 and 2023, outpacing other areas. Businesses also report better staff access (80%), a wider labour pool (71%), and improved staff retention (55%).