Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is examining how the underused rail line through Denton could form part of a future Metrolink tram-train extension, in a move that could significantly improve public transport links for communities across Stockport, Tameside and Manchester.
Alongside Stockport Council, TfGM is developing the strategic outline case for extending Metrolink from East Didsbury to Stockport town centre. As work progresses, planners are also considering how the extension could unlock wider connections, including a tram-train route running beyond Stockport along the Denton line. This option would allow services to run on both tram and heavy rail infrastructure, linking the area into the wider Metrolink network with potential connections to Tameside and Manchester Airport.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“We’ve a bold plan to deliver a decade of good growth for Greater Manchester, one that benefits every part of the city region. Developing the Bee Network and delivering better bus, tram and train connections will be fundamental to our growth story.
“For too long, Denton has been overlooked and by working up the tram-train option to connect Denton and the wider area to the Metrolink is a big step toward unlocking opportunities for local residents and businesses.
“We’re committed to extending Metrolink to Stockport and beyond as part of our efforts to connect all our districts to the tram network and delivering a truly integrated transport network for everyone.”
Technical work on the business case is expected to conclude this year before a formal submission to the Department for Transport in early 2026. Subject to approvals and funding, construction of the core East Didsbury–Stockport link could begin by the end of the decade.
Andrew Gwynne, MP for Gorton & Denton, said:
“For years I’ve campaigned, alongside the local community, for improved transport links to Denton and across the constituency. I’m delighted that as part of the Metrolink extension plans, TfGM are looking seriously at using the rail line as an option for tram-train services.
“Improved connectivity is key to opening up opportunities for our people and communities, and supporting the growth ambitions across the city region.
“I’ve long campaigned for better transport links for Denton, and I’m delighted TfGM is looking seriously at this rail line as part of the Metrolink extension plans. This could be transformative for our community, improving connectivity and supporting growth across the area.”
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:
“Since my election to the House of Commons in December 2019, I have been pushing the Government to fund the extension of Manchester’s Metrolink tram network into my constituency of Stockport, and I thank the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chancellor and Transport for Greater Manchester for backing the extension to our town centre.
“This will be a significant boost for Stockport’s connectivity and local economy, helping people to get to work, school and healthcare appointments more easily and sustainably as well as unlocking new homes and jobs.”
Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Eleanor Wills, said:
“The options being developed to utilise the Denton rail line to expand Metrolink and better connect Ashton to Manchester Airport via Stockport have the potential to be truly transformational.
“The Ashton Mayoral Development Zone is an exciting and vital opportunity to unlock Ashton’s potential, providing new homes and quality jobs. With even better transport links we can set ourselves up to for good growth for many years to come.”
Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said:
“I’ve always said when it comes to Metrolink that it should be ‘Next Stop Stockport not Last Stop Stockport’ to help deliver the ambition we have – the delivery of Metrolink and improving public transport connectivity across the borough and Greater Manchester is something we can all get behind.”
Greater Manchester has set out ambitions for 90% of residents to be within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram running at least every 30 minutes. Earlier this year, the government awarded the region £2.5bn through Transport for the City Regions funding, supporting a pipeline of major projects including tram-train links, new stops and upgraded interchanges.
Metrolink already connects seven of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs and continues to see rising demand, with 45.6 million trips in 2024 compared with 33.5 million in 2022.
