Metrolink Extensions: Four Wasted Years and Counting!

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 9th Apr 2006

Manchester's Liberal Democrat Transport Group Leader has slammed the Government over its failure to approve extensions to Manchester's Metrolink tram system.

At the Passenger Transport Authority Policy Committee meeting on 7th April, Councillor Richard Knowles told the meeting:

"The Government has already wasted 4 years by cancelling Metrolink's extensions in 2004. Even if the go-ahead is given this summer, a new procurement process will take between 18 and 24 months so none of the Phase 3 lines would be open before 2010."

Instead of Oldham's Metrolink opening in 2006, we will now have to wait at least another 4 years.

Leaving the announcement on Metrolink funding until after the local elections is likely to mean a sting in the tail, warned Councillor Knowles:

"This Government are masters of spin. They would not pass up an opportunity to benefit from a positive Metrolink announcement now unless they intend to attach controversial conditions such as the introduction of congestion charges on motorists."

Councillor Knowles told the meeting:

"I have always been convinced of the case for the Metrolink extensions and I still think that they will be built. What we need now is a long overdue Government announcement on the funding towards the cost of the Metrolink extensions to Oldham & Rochdale, Manchester Airport, Ashton under Lyne and East Didsbury."

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