Shoppers get free Metrolink use

Tram users are getting two free days of travel

Shoppers are being given a day of free travel on Manchester's tram network as a "thank-you" for putting up with disruption during a £22m upgrade.

Metrolink's city centre section closed in April and services did not resume until 2 November.

It was to allow engineers to replace track and overhaul stops at St Peter's Square and Piccadilly Gardens.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) said passengers could also travel for free on Thursday.

'Patience and understanding'

Councillor Keith Whitmore, chair of GMITA, said: "We've invested a significant amount in improving the Metrolink network this year - projects that will make journeys smoother, quieter and more reliable.

"We've completely replaced the city centre tracks, provided high quality new street finishes, upgraded two of the busiest city centre stops and installed the first sets of new ticket machines - major improvements that were completed on time and on budget.

"However, we fully appreciate that passengers were left without a full service while all this work was done.

"And we want to thank them for their patience and understanding during that time - that's why we'll be providing these two days of free travel."

Work is continuing on the four new tram links to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, Chorlton in south Manchester, and MediaCity at Salford Quays.

Forty new trams are due to start running on the Metrolink system and a second tram depot is being created in Trafford.