A new company could soon be in charge of Metrolink

It's a big deal for a big public service

The search is on for the provider of a key Greater Manchester service. The firm chosen could be paid £1.6bn to do so.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched its hunt for a firm to run Metrolink trams and track on their behalf, operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) since 2017.

But the company, which also runs London’s Docklands Light Railway, tenure could come to an end after a decade in 2027, when the current deal ends.

A new procurement process is underway to find someone to run the trams and tracks for up to 11 years, in an agreement that could be worth £1.6bn.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “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.

“Greater Manchester is growing strongly with increasing investment and development across the city-region opening up access to new homes, jobs and opportunity. Metrolink is core to enabling that sustainable growth and we continue to work on plans to improve day-to-day services and extend the network to other parts of the region."

Whoever takes on the contract will do so when Metrolink has never been more popular.

Last year, it recorded 45.6m journeys, the most in any of its 33-year history. November 2024 was also its busiest ever month, with 4.2m trips recorded.

And demand is expected to rise even more with the launch of tap-and-go bus and tram tickets in late March, combining fares for both modes of transport ‘seamlessly’.

The new tram operator will need to build on that, according to Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer.

He said: “In order to maintain this positive momentum, we’re hoping to enter into a new arrangement which better aligns Metrolink with our franchised buses and plans to integrate with local rail services, while also paving the way for even more integration and an improved customer experience.”

A procurement notice issued on April 24 confirmed the scope of the contract, which includes operating Metrolink services; inspecting, maintaining, repairing and cleaning Metrolink assets and infrastructure; identifying and notifying TfGM of renewal works required to Metrolink assets; and supporting TfGM in delivering future enhancements to Metrolink such as building new lines and stops, rolling out new trams and working on the installation of new signalling systems.