Transport for Greater Manchester have started the process of finding the next company who will operate and maintain the Metrolink tram network. Whilst the current contract with KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) still has a couple of years left (due to expire in 2027) this is the first step to finding the next company who will take responsibility for the UK\u2019s largest light-rail network.<\/p>\n
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As part of the procurement a notice was issued on Tuesday 24th<\/sup> April which sets out the scope of the contract, including:<\/p>\n KAM have had the contract to operate and maintain Metrolink since 2017, with this expiring in 2027. The new contract will run for up to 11 years and will be worth \u00a31.6 billion over the duration of the contract.<\/p>\n The contract will run during a significant period of change in Greater Manchester, with the region driving investment and development in transport, housing, innovation and the net zero economy at six nationally significant locations with the biggest potential to boost growth, create jobs and deliver benefits across all 10 boroughs.<\/p>\n It will allow for the future expansion of Metrolink, with work already underway to assess options for new, extended and converted lines, including tram-train services that will connect Manchester\u2019s light and heavy rail networks.<\/p>\n Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: \u201cMetrolink is at the heart of Greater Manchester\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cGreater 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.”<\/p>\n Danny Vaughan, TfGM\u2019s Chief Network Officer, added: \u201cWith patronage at record levels and plans to add further capacity and expand its network, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIn order to maintain this positive momentum, we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n TfGM will host a market engagement day on Tuesday 10th<\/sup> June where potential bidders can find out more about the opportunity and procurement process. A market engagement notice to publicise this event will be published on 15th<\/sup> May.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Transport for Greater Manchester have started the process of finding the next company who will operate and maintain the Metrolink tram network. Whilst the current contract with KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) still has a couple of years left (due to expire … Continue reading \n