Greater Manchester’s transport bosses have today announced the start of the procurement process for a new, multi-year contract to operate and maintain the Metrolink network, the UK’s largest light rail system.
The lucrative deal, potentially worth up to £1.6 billion over a maximum of 11 years, will see a new operator take the reins in 2027 when the current contract with KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) expires.
Serving 99 stops across eight lines and 103 kilometres of track, the Metrolink is a cornerstone of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s ambitious integrated public transport and active travel system. This new contract comes at a pivotal time for the region, which is undergoing significant growth and investment across transport, housing, innovation, and the green economy at six key development sites.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, emphasised the crucial role of the Metrolink: “Metrolink is at the heart of Greater Manchester’s 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.”
He further added, “Greater 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.”
The contract will also be instrumental in facilitating the future expansion of the Metrolink, with ongoing assessments into potential new, extended, and converted lines, including innovative tram-train services designed to connect the light and heavy rail networks.
Metrolink has seen unprecedented success, recording its highest ever number of passenger journeys in 2024 with 45.6 million. November also marked its busiest month in its 33-year history, with 4.2 million passengers. Furthermore, the adoption of contactless payment has soared, reaching 50 million journeys this year and becoming the most popular payment method since its introduction in 2019. The integration of contactless ‘tap and go’ across both Bee Network buses and Metrolink in March this year now allows for seamless travel and automatic fare calculation for passengers.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, highlighted the exciting future for the network: “With patronage at record levels and plans to add further capacity and expand its network, it’s 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.”
He explained the strategic aims of the new contract: “In order to maintain this positive momentum, we’re 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.”
The planned procurement notice, issued on Thursday 24th April, outlines the key responsibilities of the contract, which include:
- Operating Metrolink services
- Inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and cleaning Metrolink assets and infrastructure
- Identifying and notifying TfGM of necessary renewal works
- Supporting TfGM in delivering future enhancements, such as new lines and stops, new trams, and signalling system upgrades.
TfGM will host a market engagement day on Tuesday 10th June, offering potential bidders a chance to gain further insight into the opportunity and the procurement process. A subsequent notice publicising this event will be issued on 15th May. The announcement signals a significant step in shaping the future of Greater Manchester’s vital tram network.
