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Metrolink tram line deal 'close'

Alan Salter
31/ 3/2006

A DEAL to revive three axed Metrolink tram line extensions is close, local officials and MPs believe.

They had hoped Transport Secretary Alistair Darling would make an announcement yesterday, and allow them to start spending some of the '520m originally on offer for the lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Tameside and the airport which were axed two years ago as costs spiralled to almost '1bn.

Tony Blair later put the '520m back on the table and the negotiators believed they had convinced civil servants that scaled-down plans were value for money.

But Mr Darling has decided he still needs more time to study the detail - and will not now announce the go-ahead until after the local elections in May.

The Department for Transport said in a statement: "We are in constructive discussions with Manchester about the Metrolink extensions. We are working closely together to resolve the outstanding issues in relation to the elements of the package that would be part-funded by the government. "

The M.E.N launched its "Get Back on Track" campaign with a 40,000-name petition after the shock decision two years ago.

Plans for the Leeds supertram and Liverpool's Merseytram were also axed.

'Frustrating'

Coun Roger Jones, chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "Alistair Darling still feels there is more work to be done to sort it out. We are very close to pulling off the deal and this is very frustrating because we have waited such a long time."

Local officials hope a release of the '520m will allow them to start work on all three lines while they apply for extra money from the government's new '2bn Transport Innovation Fund, which seeks to cut congestion. Officials have denied they will be forced to offer congestion charging in return for the extra funds.

Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd, who has taken part in discussions, said: "We are getting very close to a result. I can't say when that will come but I do think the gap between us is more about ironing out the details than the principle."

City council leader Coun Richard Leese, Coun Jones and Lord Peter Smith, leader of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said in a statement: "We remain very confident of securing final approvals to our plans for Metrolink extensions."


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Most recent 2 of 13 user comments

   I have lived in Manchester for just over 2 years now, and I come from London. I am surprised by the decision to delay the announcement until after the elections, which I agree sounds a bit fishy. What I am surprised about is the low number of supporters who backed the petition! It also points to a possible overcharge on the construction side as well. How can the cost of the system spiral so much? I suspect by greedy contractors. How many tenders were put out for this, and what clauses are in place to compensate for delays? Probably none. I myself look forward to the potential for the tram to be coming through to the Airport, which I believe would be a great revenue maker, and could then help to fund the completion of the other lines (no disrespect to the people living near the other prospective lines). Perhaps Manchester should look at creating a transport model similar to London's, with more cost effective pricing, and using the subsidy model like London does? Then we will truly have a brilliant infrastructure inplace, which Manchester and it's suburbs truly deserve.

Don't be too hasty to dismiss just yet, but if they do delay it again, we should all as Mancunians (and 'imported' Mancs!) voice our support.
Kevin, Manchester
19/04/2006 at 13:17

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   I do not think that metrolink is the way forward for a transport solution to the Airport, Oldham or Rochdale, Having been a former employee of metrolink I can honestly say that it is badly run by management who do not even know the outside of their offices, Metrolink is a shambles, Trams are rife with Gangs, Drunks, Fare dodgers after 7pm, Drivers are faced with abuse on a daily basis and the attitude is if you don't like it theirs the door, This is not sour grapes, save your ticket money and buy a bike or car, you will be a lot more safe than the journey from hell on METROSTINK.
the big boss, all over
2/04/2006 at 22:43

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