19.07.19
Study of light rail finds Manchester Metrolink one of best in the world
An international study of light rail systems has identified Metrolink as one of the best in the world.
The system was rated as fifth best in the large cities category, scoring 66 out of 100 based on ten separate criteria.
These were tram corridor potential; speed and urban integration; multimodal integration; pricing and ticketing; use of resources; tram service offer; reliability, accessibility, security; tram ridership; tram economic viability and public transport dynamic.
Metrolink was praised for its off-peak frequency, pricing and ticketing, use of resources, economic balance and tram ridership dynamic.
The comparative study, which looked at 32 tram systems from across the World, was published by Eurogroup Consulting this week and identified several systems operated by Keolis among the best performing.
Councillor Mark Aldred, who sits on Greater Manchester Transport Committee, said: “We are working all the time to make Metrolink better, so I’m delighted it has been recognised as one of the best tram systems in the world.
“Things like this don’t happen by chance. It’s a reflection of a lot of hard work and investment over many years and also testament to the work that KeolisAmey Metrolink have done to improve performance in the two years they have been operating and maintaining the network.
“We’ve invested almost £2bn over the last decade or so to grow Metrolink, are investing in more trams and constantly looking at ways to make using it easier and more attractive – such as the contactless payment system that launched this week.
“As a system entirely owned, managed and run at a local level, it’s a blueprint for how Greater Manchester could run other transport systems in the future.
“As we continue to grow and carry more people, there’s no doubt Metrolink’s future is bright and its standing as a world-class network assured.”