Transport for Greater Manchester introduces changes to Metrolink timetable and extended services in 2024

Transport for Greater Manchester has announced changes to the Metrolink timetable in 2024. The changes include more frequent services to match the rise in the number of passengers across the network. 

The revised timetable will come into effect from Tuesday, January 2. One of the additions to the timetable will be a new six-minute service between Etihad Campus and Manchester city centre from 7am until the end of service.

This will be made possible by extending Altrincham-Piccadilly services to the Etihad Campus after the termination of MediaCityUK-Etihad Campus peak service (after 8pm, Monday to Friday and after 6.30pm on Saturdays) until the end of service and all day on Sundays

The enhanced timetable also comes as the number of passengers on the Altrincham and Bury Lines reach back to pre-pandemic levels. Across the network, usage has returned to pre-pandemic levels for the Christmas run in. The busiest day was December 6 where 160,000 trips were made in a single day. 

Double trams will also be introduced to keep up with demand. These will now operate between the newly extended Altrincham-Etihad Campus service as well as Bury-Piccadilly services. In addition to this, double trams will also operate between Monday and Saturday from the start of service on the Bury-Piccadilly and Altrincham-Piccadilly lines, with doubles introduced on Altrincham-Etihad Campus services after 6.30pm

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I am delighted that Metrolink will be introducing extra capacity and frequency onto the Altrincham and Bury Metrolink lines, which provides a vital connection for people travelling between the north and south of our region.

“These changes, combined with the late-night trams, will provide a real boost to regular passengers while also presenting a compelling case for those who perhaps don’t travel on trams as frequently to use Metrolink, which plays a central role in our integrated Bee Network public transport system.”

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, added: “With demand for services on the Altrincham and Bury lines increasing, this new timetable will provide the frequency and capacity needed to meet, sustain and continue to grow patronage on these routes. This shows that TfGM and the Metrolink operator are committed to enhancing the service for the benefit of our customers.”