Bombardier Transportation UK, which has its main site in Derby, has secured a £72m contract to make 27 new trams for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The deal – with manufacturer Bombardier Transportation UK, and German manufacturer, Kiepe Electric – will reportedly increase capacity by 15% on the UK’s largest tram network and also provide 4,800 extra spaces.
The first tram isn’t expected to arrive until February 2020, with other tram units following every month after through to June 2021.
The new trams will be funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and the model remains the same as the existing 120-strong fleet already in operation (M5000). Each tram has a capacity of 206 and can reach a maximum speed of 50mph.
The trams form part of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s ‘Congestion Deal’ initiative, which aims to improve air quality and encourage more cycling and walking on a daily basis.
Mayor Burnham said: “Greater Manchester is growing. That means more jobs, more people and more demand on our public transport networks and these new trams will be a very welcome – and much needed – addition to the Metrolink fleet.
“By significantly enhancing capacity we will enable more people to leave their cars at home and use Metrolink to commute to their jobs, access essential services and explore our amazing city region.”
Continuing success for Bombardier Transportation UK
In October 2017, it was announced that Bombardier Transportation UK would be contributing towards a £1bn deal to manufacture more than 100 trains for the next West Midlands franchise.
Bombardier is to produce 333 electric carriages made up of 90mph 36 x 3 car trains for metro services and 110mph 45 x 5 car trains for outer suburban and long-distance configurations. The trains will be built at Bombardier’s facility in Derby.
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) was also selected to produce 80 diesel carriages made up of 12 x 2 car trains and 14 x 4 car trains which will provide dedicated services for journeys to the towns and cities around Birmingham.
By the end of the franchise, there will reportedly be 25% more train carriages available than at the start.
