Manchester Metrolink has a new personal best with a record-breaking number of passengers carried on the trams on Sunday 19th April 2026. This was Manchester Marathon day and more than 200,000 passenger journeys were recorded on the day.
The total figure was 202,437 people with this being a staggering 97% increase from the 102,594 journeys which recorded for the same event in 2021. This year the Marathon coincided with the big Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, further adding to the number of people wanting to take the tram.
It was also a record-breaking day for the Starling Bank cycle hire with 2,540 rides taken – the highest number ever seen on a Sunday.
Danny Vaughan, the TfGM Chief Network Officer, said: “From the record numbers of people taking part to the milestones we marked across Metrolink and cycle hire, we are delighted that this year’s Manchester Marathon was a huge success and want to congratulate everyone who took part on the day.
“The demand for our bikes and trams on Sunday shows just how essential the network is when it comes to supporting major events and helping residents and visitors get around safely.
“We worked hard with event organisers, operators and other partners to carefully plan for the Marathon and I want to thank everyone behind the scenes for their work on supporting another fantastic event, and for everyone who travelled with us and was part of a record-breaking Sunday.”