Trams will run every six minutes

OLDHAM’S train service will be replaced with trams twice as frequent when the new Metrolink line reaches the borough.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is overseeing a £575 million expansion of the network with work starting early next year.

Trams will run between Shaw and Crompton and Manchester every six minutes and between Rochdale and Manchester every 12 minutes when the route opens.

At the moment trains from Oldham Mumps and Shaw and Crompton run to Manchester every 15 minutes and to Rochdale every half an hour. Trains call at other stations in the borough every 30 minutes and passengers need to change services at Shaw and Crompton during the daytime to get to Rochdale.

Councillor John Dillon, Oldham’s GMPTA spokesman, said: “Passengers don’t have to worry about checking a timetable before they leave home. They can simply turn up at a Metrolink stop and buy a ticket knowing that a tram will be along in a few minutes time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them become a familiar sight in the borough.”

The new Metrolink lines will cover almost 20 miles and include 26 stops. Trains will stop running on the Oldham to Rochdale line next autumn with the new Metrolink line expected to open in 2011.

Transport bosses are developing proposals for alternative bus services while the work takes place.