History of Metrolink
It’s amazing how a twist of track can reshape a city.
Manchester’s love affair with trams began in 1877, not with sleek yellow carriages, but with horse-drawn trams clattering through cobbled streets. By the 1930s, Manchester boasted one of the largest tram networks in the UK. But by 1949, the last tram had rolled into history, replaced by buses and trolleybuses.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and a new vision emerged. A city growing in ambition needed a transport system to match. The idea? Reconnect communities using a modern light rail system. And so, in 1992, Metrolink was born.
The first line linked Bury to Altrincham, weaving through the heart of the city. It was a bold move, the UK’s first modern street-running light rail system.
Over the next three decades, Metrolink expanded across Greater Manchester, reaching Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport, and even The Trafford Centre.
Today, it’s the largest light rail network in the UK and part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, with over 100 km of track and 90+ stops. It’s not just about transport, it’s about transformation. Metrolink has helped regenerate areas like Salford Quays, supported major events at Co-op Live and Old Trafford, and connected people to jobs, culture, and opportunity.
Since July 2017, the network has been operated by a joint venture between Keolis and Amey, bringing global expertise to the heart of Greater Manchester.
