Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has started the procurement process to appoint the next operator and maintainer of Metrolink, the UK’s largest light-rail network.
Currently operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) since 2017, the network serves 99 stops across eight lines and 103 kilometres of track. With the existing contract due to expire in 2027, TfGM is looking for a successor to manage Metrolink under a new agreement worth around GBP 1.6 billion over a potential 11-year term.
The new contract comes at a time of major growth and investment across Greater Manchester, with Metrolink set to play a vital role in supporting housing, transport, and net zero initiatives across the region. Plans for future network expansions, including tram-train services linking light and heavy rail networks, are also under consideration.
“Metrolink is at the heart of Greater Manchester’s public transport and active travel network with record numbers of people choosing to use it. By introducing tap and go payment on buses and integrating that with contactless payment on Metrolink, we are making travelling by public transport more convenient, affordable and accessible for everyone,” Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said.
Metrolink saw record patronage in 2024, with 45.6 million journeys made across the year and a single-month record of 4.2 million passengers last November. Contactless ‘tap and go’ payment, now integrated across Bee Network buses and Metrolink, continues to drive growth, surpassing 50 million journeys paid this way since its launch.
“With patronage at record levels and plans to add further capacity and expand its network, it’s an exciting time for Metrolink which is in a strong position to continue playing a vital role in the Bee Network and enabling the growth of the Greater Manchester economy,” Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, added.
The scope of the new contract includes operating services, maintaining and cleaning infrastructure, assisting in asset renewal, and supporting future network enhancements such as new lines, stops, additional trams, and upgraded signalling systems.
TfGM will host a market engagement day for potential bidders on 10 June, following the release of a market engagement notice on 15 May.
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