Landmark moment for Metrolink as first new vehicle arrives

19 Nov 2020 12:35
Published by: Scott Callan

The first of 27 new Metrolink trams has arrived in Manchester after an epic 1,800km journey across Europe.


The new M5000 vehicle, which is stabled at Metrolink's Queens Road depot, will now undergo a thorough testing and commissioning process, ahead of it going into service before Christmas. Additional trams are then set to arrive every 3-4 weeks.

The vehicles, which are 28.4m long, 2.6m wide and 3.6m tall, are manufactured in Vienna, Austria in a process that utilises 1km of cabling and 3,117 different parts from 128 different suppliers. Each tram requires 3,500 person hours to complete.

TfGM Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: "I'm delighted that the first of the new trams has arrived safely in Manchester.

"Their arrival is not only important to us in the short term, as we'll be able to add extra capacity throughout next year to help with social distancing and make tram travel even safer for passengers, but also long term as we seek to rebuild and encourage people safely back onto the network post pandemic.

"However, I'd like to remind people that the network is currently for those needing to travel for work, education or other essential reasons only. If you must use public transport, please remember the basic rules - such as wearing a face covering and sanitising your hands - when using our buses, trains and trams."

Matt Byrne, Bombardier President UK & Ireland, said: ‘As a proud Mancunian and regular Metrolink user, I am particularly delighted that the first of our 27 new M5000 trams has now arrived in Manchester to add capacity and help allow for social distancing across the Metrolink network.

"The new vehicles continue our long-standing relationship with Transport for Greater Manchester, with whom we are working closely to ensure a smooth introduction into passenger service."

The trams are being funded by the Transforming Cities Fund and were first announced as part of the Congestion Deal (March 2018), the city-region's approach for tackling congestion by improving public transport and providing a genuine alternative to driving.

The £72m contract with manufacturer Bombardier Transportation UK and Kiepe Electric was signed in July 2018.

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.

You may be interested in