14.05.13
Manchester Metrolink extension to Didsbury opens
The Metrolink extension of the South Manchester Line to Didsbury will open to passengers next Thursday (23 May), months ahead of schedule.
The 4.4km extension serves five new stops: Withington, Burton Road, West Didsbury, Didsbury Village and East Didsbury.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce the opening of this new line several months earlier than we expected.
“It’s something that I, personally, have been promoting for more than 30 years, but for it to be complete so far ahead of schedule is a wonderful achievement, and my thanks for that go to TfGM, our local authority partners and, of course, our contractor, MPT.
“I am particularly pleased that the last Government committed funding for this project before the last general election. This ensured that the contract was signed before the spending axe fell.
“This new line is a great addition to our ever-growing Metrolink network and will give people a new and exciting way to experience all the vibrant things that South Manchester has to offer.”
Cllr Nigel Murphy, executive member for environment for Manchester City Council, said: “Having a well-connected city where people can easily access employment, social and leisure opportunities is absolutely fundamental to Manchester’s future success.
“This new line is another important step towards delivering that vision and it will be great to see it up and running.”
Journeys from the city centre will take under thirty minutes and run every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturday, with services from 9am – 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
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