Metrolink opening date soon?

RUMOURS are rife that Metrolink trams will running in Oldham next month.

But Oldhamers are being kept in the dark about the opening date as transport chiefs say nothing has been decided — and deny a reported opening date of June 11.

The overdue line was meant to open last year but after a catalogue of setbacks, it was delayed.

Metrolink ticket machines have been displaying a “starting soon” message to passengers and bosses have begun booking advertising space for a promotional campaign at the end of June and into July.

Tracks are already in place along Brook Street to take passengers up to Shaw, so potentially, the temporary line could take them straight through to Mumps and onwards.

Drivers have had to deal with months of traffic chaos since the closure of Mumps roundabout.

Work to complete the final part of the jigsaw, the track along Union Street has brought traffic chaos while utilities are diverted. That stretch of line is due to open in 2014.

This has forced buses and other vehicles to be diverted down Roscoe Street.

A TfGM spokeswoman said that the trams were still being tested and training was ongoing.

“The Metrolink is in the final stages but we do not have an opening date at the moment,” she added.