Metrolink's green light for another two months thanks to more Government funding

The funding will be kept under review to ensure that full public transport services can be up and running as quickly as possible

Further funding to protect and increase transport services, level up infrastructure and regenerate local economies after coronavirus has been announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

A further £283m has been made available to increase the number of bus and light rail services as quickly as possible so that people who need to travel, including critical workers in the NHS, can do so safely. 

The funding – amounting to £254m for buses and £29m for trams and light rail – will help protect and increase services, allowing people travelling to hospitals, supermarkets or their place of work to get to their destination safely and quickly, while helping ensure there is enough space for them to observe social distancing guidelines.

The funding will be kept under review to ensure that full services can be up and running as quickly as possible.  

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This announcement by the Transport Secretary gives us most of what we need to keep running Metrolink for the next two months and I would like to thank him for listening to the concerns I have raised.

“Of course, concerns remain about what will happen from August.

"I believe the recovery process in cities like ours would be strengthened by having the ability to plan for the longer-term.

"Last week, Ministers announced a funding package for London that runs until October and I would encourage them to consider extending the timetable for Greater Manchester’s deal in the same way.

“We fully support the Government’s ambitions on creating more space for cycling and walking and welcome the additional funding that has been announced.

"The political consensus around prioritising active travel is becoming stronger by the day and this is emerging as one area where the country is set to build back better.”

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