Staff from Metrolink operator RATP Dev and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) celebrated the milestone this morning, after a busy two weeks getting the tram for its first run out.
Tram 100 – which arrived in Manchester from Vienna last week – has been kitted out with its full Metrolink livery, including more than 7,000 of the distinctive fade out yellow ‘dots’ and has undergone rigorous final testing before it is commissioned onto the network.
Metrolink is now the largest light rail network in the UK and carries around 86,000 passenger journeys a day.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “We’ve come a long way since 1992 when the first fleet of just 26 trams started running on the Bury-Altrincham lines.
“Thanks to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority driving forward investment we now have a completely new fleet of trams. And more trams are on the way, as Metrolink’s fleet will ultimately be boosted to 120 vehicles by 2017 to provide extra space and capacity across the network.”
Peter Cushing, Metrolink Director for Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “I’m sure this is a very proud moment for all the staff here at Metrolink, many of whom have seen at first hand the major expansion of the network symbolised by Tram 100.
“I’d like to thanks all our customers for joining us on this journey to improve and expand their tram system.”
Chris Coleman, Managing Director at RATP Dev in Manchester which operates the Metrolink network on behalf of TfGM, said: “Today marks yet another important development in the history of the region’s iconic tram system.
“Many of our employees who saw the first tram arrive at our depot, more than 20 years ago, still work at the company and so this really is a chance to reflect on what has been a fantastic journey not only for the Metrolink network but for them too.
“I’m extremely proud to lead the team here at RATP Dev Manchester, who all play their part in keeping Greater Manchester moving on a daily basis so today is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their efforts.
“Vehicle 3100 will now join the 99 other trams in the fleet which our vehicle teams successfully operate and maintain on a daily basis.”
As part of a £1.5 billion expansion and improvement programme Metrolink now offers frequent services calling at 92 stops across a network connecting the city centre with Bury, Altrincham, Eccles, MediaCityUK, Rochdale, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Chorlton, Didsbury, Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport.
