Metrolink arrives in Droylsden next week
4 Feb 2013, 11:30
David McCourt
Metrolink services on the new 3.9-mile section to Droylsden will open to the public on Monday 11 February.
The new line will serve eight new stops: New Islington, Holt Town, Etihad Campus, Velopark, Clayton Hall, Edge Lane, Cemetery Road and Droylsden.
Journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Droylsden will run every 12 minutes, taking around 20 minutes to complete.
Leading up to the launch, residents living next to the route will be able to use the line for free. Those who have received an invitation by post may travel between Friday 8 February and Sunday 10 February.
Households in the catchment areas agreed with Manchester City Council and Tameside Council will be sent their invitations in the coming days.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, which oversees the Metrolink network, said: "I want to thank the people of Manchester and Tameside for their patience. I am in no doubt that Metrolink will be of huge benefit to residents and businesses in both areas."
Cllr Kieran Quinn, Tameside Council executive leader said: "Monday 11 February is the date I and many others have been looking forward to for four years because that's when we can finally put all the disruption and turmoil behind us once and for all.
"Of course the good news doesn't end there because the line to Ashton is continuing at a pace and is set for completion this year, which will offer a further boost to the town's economy.
"I am particularly proud of TfGM's free travel offer because it's in recognition of all the hard negotiations the six Droylsden councillors carried out with Metrolink on our ward residents' behalf."
Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive member for the environment, said: "The new Droylsden line will make it easier for people to access jobs and other opportunities in Manchester city centre, as well as all the exciting sports and community facilities which will open soon near the Etihad stadium."
The new services will run from the existing Metrolink stop at Manchester Piccadilly through Ancoats, New Islington and Beswick and East Manchester.
The line will run under Great Ancoats Street, through Holt Town towards Etihad Campus and the Velodrome.
From here, between Clayton and Droylsden the line will run on-street along Ashton New Road and Manchester Road.
Tickets to any of the stops in Manchester city centre will start at £3.40 for a peak anytime single from the Droylsden and Cemetery Road stops and £2.40 from the Edge Lane and New Islington stops.
An anytime peak return ticket will cost £5.40 from the Droylsden and Cemetery Road stops and £3.70 from the Edge Lane and New Islington stops.
The line to Droylsden is already being extended by a further 2.3 miles to Ashton-under-Lyne town centre, providing additional stops at Audenshaw, Ashton Moss, Ashton West and Ashton-Under-Lyne. This section is due to open in winter 2013/14.
