05.08.11
Shock sale of Manchester Metrolink tram network
The rights to run the Manchester Metrolink, the tram network currently undergoing a massive expansion, have been given to the French company that runs the Paris Metro after previous the previous operator Stagecoach withdrew from the contract.
Yesterday RATP Dev UK Limited took over the remainder of a ten year contract, which will last until July 2017. RATP Dev UK Limited is a subsidiary of Ratp Développement, which operates across 12 countries.
The Manchester Metrolink tram network runs four lines and carries 21 million passengers per year, and is being further extended. Last month, a delayed South Manchester extension opened, with new stops at Firswood, Chorlton and St Werburgh’s Road.
Paul Matthews, CEO of RATP Dev UK said: “Metrolink is one of the UK’s most successful tram networks, so we are naturally delighted to join with the existing team to be able to bring our expertise and know-how to continue its further development.
“Metrolink is now embarking upon a significant phase of expansion which presents us with plenty of opportunities to assist in producing a world class tramway of which the City can be rightfully proud”.
Metrolink will continue to be owned by Transport for Greater Manchester. Its chairman, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “RATP Group has a span of expertise covering 12 countries and the experience of carrying 12 million passengers a day. They will help us to continue to improve services, providing us with access to experts who are operating tram services and light rail systems in major cities across the world, from Paris and Florence to Seoul, Hong Kong and Mumbai.
“We welcome RATP to Greater Manchester and are looking forward to working with them.”
No discussion took place concerning Stagecoach’s Sheffield operations.
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