Editing Manchester Metrolink (section)

==History==
{{main|History of Manchester Metrolink|Timeline of Manchester Metrolink}}
<!-- Please consider adding detail to the History of Manchester Metrolink article instead of here to reduce article bloat -->

===Predecessors===
Manchester's first tram age began in 1877 with the first horse-drawn trams of [[Manchester Suburban Tramways Company]]. Electric traction was introduced in 1901, and the municipal [[Manchester Corporation Tramways]] expanded across the city. By 1930, Manchester's tram network had grown to {{convert|163|mi|km|adj=pre|route}}, making it the third-largest tram system in the United Kingdom. After [[World War II]], [[Trolleybuses in Manchester|electric trolleybuses]] and [[motor bus]]es began to be favoured by local authorities as a cheaper transport alternative, and by 1949 the last Manchester tram line was closed. Trolleybuses were withdrawn from service in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Short History of Public Transport in Greater Manchester|url=http://www.gmts.co.uk/explore/history/history.html|website=Museum of Transport Greater Manchester|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110051835/http://www.gmts.co.uk/explore/history/history.html|archive-date=10 November 2010}}</ref>

===Origins===
{{see also|Picc-Vic tunnel}}
[[File:Manchester RJD 47.JPG|thumb|right|A 1910 map of Manchester's railways]]
Greater Manchester's railway network historically suffered from poor north–south connections because Manchester's main railway stations, [[Manchester Piccadilly station|Piccadilly]] and [[Manchester Victoria station|Victoria]],{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=4}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} were built in the 1840s on peripheral locations outside [[Manchester city centre]].{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}}{{sfn|Williams|2003|p=273}} The central commercial district had no rail links, and over the years, several unsuccessful schemes were proposed to connect Manchester's rail termini.<ref name="MEN100">{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Todd |title=Revealed: 100 years of failed transport plans for Manchester – monorail and underground tube included |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/failed-transport-manchester-monorail-underground-9830097 |access-date=5 March 2017 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=11 August 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170306034442/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/failed-transport-manchester-monorail-underground-9830097 |archive-date=6 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1960s, transport design studies were undertaken to address the problems of increasing [[traffic congestion]].<ref name="starkie">{{cite book|last1=Starkie|first1=D. N. M.|title=Transportation Planning, Policy and Analysis: Urban and Regional Planning Series|date=22 October 2013 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=9781483156439 |page=35 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ceZsBQAAQBAJ&q=1966%20manchester%20monorail&pg=PA35|access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170308045512/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ceZsBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA35&dq=1966%20manchester%20monorail&pg=PA35 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many urban public transport schemes were evaluated for Manchester, including several types of [[monorail]] systems<ref>{{cite journal |title= Monorail for Manchester? |website= Commercial Motor Archive |date=28 January 1966 |url= http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/28th-january-1966/24/monorail-for-manchester |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170305180553/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/28th-january-1966/24/monorail-for-manchester |archive-date=5 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[rapid transit|metro-style]] systems.<ref>{{cite book |author1=De Leuw, Cather & Partners |author2=Hennessey, Chadwick, O'Heocha & Partners |title=Manchester Rapid Transit Study, Volume 2|date=August 1967 |url= https://issuu.com/cyberbadger/docs/mrts-vol2 |access-date=15 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170308043925/https://issuu.com/cyberbadger/docs/mrts-vol2 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="starkie" />

While the monorail schemes were all abandoned, a scheme to create a tunnel link gained momentum. The SELNEC Passenger Transport Executive — the body formed in 1969 to improve public transport for Manchester and its surrounding municipalities – promoted the '[[Picc-Vic tunnel]]' project. The project was a proposal to link Piccadilly and Victoria stations via a tunnel under the city centre and enable train services to run across the Manchester conurbation.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Green light for Manchester tube project |url= https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/the-northerner/2013/jul/18/manchester-underground-piccadilly-victoria-picc-vic |work=The Guardian |location= London |date=18 July 1967 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161220141537/https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/the-northerner/2013/jul/18/manchester-underground-piccadilly-victoria-picc-vic |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Greater Manchester County Council]] (GMC) inherited the project and presented it to the [[United Kingdom Government]] in 1974,{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=5}} but the council failed to secure the necessary funding,{{sfn|Donald|Cross|Bristow|1983|p=45}} and the project was abandoned in 1977.<ref name="inframanc">{{cite book |last1=Brook |first1=Richard |last2=Dodge |first2=Martin |title=Infra_MANC – Post-war infrastructures of Manchester |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160126092643/http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/Infra_MANC_catalogue.pdf|archive-date=26 January 2016 |url= http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/Infra_MANC_catalogue.pdf |publisher=RIBA/CUBE Gallery |pages=134 |date= 2012|access-date=27 January 2016|url-status=live}} (exhibition catalogue)</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wainwright |first1=Martin |title=Manchester's tube train that never was |url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/mar/14/manchester-localgovernment-underground-trains-picc-vic-secret-telephone-exchange |work=The Guardian |location= London |date=14 March 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170104170703/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2012/mar/14/manchester-localgovernment-underground-trains-picc-vic-secret-telephone-exchange |archive-date=4 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Metroshuttle|Centreline]] shuttle bus service provided inter-station links for many years.

The [[Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive]] (GMPTE), the successor to SELNEC, continued to examine possible rail link solutions. [[Light rail]] emerged in the early 1980s as a cost-effective option that could make use of existing railway lines and run through the city centre at street level, eliminating the need for costly [[Tunnel#Construction|tunnelling works]].<ref name="inframanc"/> A Rail Study Group, composed of officials from British Rail, GMC and GMPTE formally endorsed the ''Project Light Rail'' scheme in 1984.{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=6–7}} Initial abstract proposals, based on light rail systems in [[North America]] and [[continental Europe]],{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=26–27}} illustrated a draft {{convert|62|mi|km|adj=on}} network consisting of three lines: [[Altrincham Interchange|Altrincham]]–{{rws|Hadfield}}/{{rws|Glossop}}, [[Bury Interchange|Bury]]–{{rws|Marple}}/{{rws|Rose Hill}} and {{rws|Rochdale}}–{{tram|East Didsbury}}. To promote the scheme, GMPTE held a public [[proof of concept]] demonstration in March 1987 using a [[Docklands Light Railway rolling stock|Docklands Light Railway P86 train]] on a freight-only line adjacent to [[Debdale Park]].{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=37}} The Project Light Rail proposals were presented to the UK Government for taxpayer funding;{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}} following route revisions in 1984 and 1987,{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}}{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=25}} Project Light Rail was approved. Because of the central government's constraints on financial support for innovative transport projects, funding was granted by [[HM Treasury]] with the strict condition that the system be constructed in phases.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=22}} Additional taxpayer funding came from the [[European Regional Development Fund]] and bank lending.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}

===Construction===
{{main|History of Manchester Metrolink#Delivery}}<gallery mode="packed" caption="Metrolink construction phases 1992–2020">
File:Metrolink phase1.png|Phase 1 (1992)
File:Metrolink phase2.png|Phase 2 (1999–2000)
File:Metrolink mediacity extensi.png|{{tram|MediaCityUK}} spur (2010)
File:Metrolink phase3a.png|Phase 3a (2011–13)
File:Metrolink phase3b.png|Phase 3b (2013–14)
File:Metrolink 2CC.png|[[Zone 1 (Manchester Metrolink)#Second City Crossing (2CC)|Second City Crossing]] (2015–17)
File:Metrolink Trafford Line.png|[[Trafford Park Line]] (2020)
</gallery>

==== Phase 1 ====
Parliamentary authority to proceed with Phase 1 construction was obtained with two Acts of Parliament – the Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) Act 1988 and Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (No. 2) Act 1988.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=30–31}}[[File:View from Piccadilly Station approach, Manchester - geograph.org.uk - 733658.jpg|thumb|Phase 1 construction of the core section of the network near {{rws|Manchester Piccadilly}}, 1991]]
The first phase of Metrolink involved the conversion of two suburban [[heavy rail]] lines to light rail operation — the [[Bury Line]] in the north (conversion started in July 1991) and the [[Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway|MSJ&AR line]] in the south (conversion started December 1991) — and the construction of a [[Zone 1 (Manchester Metrolink)|street-level tramway through the city centre]] to connect the two.<ref name=evo>{{cite news |url=http://www.therailengineer.com/2011/11/30/manchester-metrolink-20-years-of-evolution/ |work=The Rail Engineer |title=Manchester Metrolink 20 Years of Evolution |first=Clive |last=Kessell |date=30 November 2011 |access-date=2 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195240/http://www.therailengineer.com/2011/11/30/manchester-metrolink-20-years-of-evolution/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tracks were laid down along a {{convert|1.9|mi|adj=on}} route from Victoria station, via [[Market Street, Manchester|Market Street]] and [[St Peter's Square tram stop|St Peter's Square]] to the [[G-Mex]], with a {{convert|0.4|mi|adj=on}} branch from [[Piccadilly Gardens]] to [[Manchester Piccadilly station]].{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|pp=73–74}}<ref name="LRTACC">{{cite web|title=Metrolink in the City Centre|url=http://lrta.org/Manchester/city_centre.html|publisher=LRTA|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214194249/http://lrta.org/Manchester/city_centre.html|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TTramsCC">{{cite web|title=Metrolink : Routes : city centre routes|url=http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/city/|publisher=TheTrams|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408190936/http://www.thetrams.co.uk/metrolink/city/|archive-date=8 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> This route is now known as the First City Crossing (1CC), and it was built with network expansion in mind.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=94}}

A fleet of 26 [[AnsaldoBreda T-68]] light rail vehicles was procured to operate the {{convert|19.2|mi|km|adj=on}} network.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1991|p=17}} Construction was carried out by the GMA Group (a consortium of [[Amec Foster Wheeler|AMEC]], [[GM Buses]], [[Mowlem|John Mowlem & Company]] and [[General Electric Company|GEC]]),{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=51}} costing £145{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|145|1992}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}).{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}

Metrolink was initially scheduled to open in September 1991, but services did not begin until 1992, when the [[Bury Line]] of the Metrolink opened from [[Manchester Victoria station|Victoria station]] to [[Bury Interchange]] on 6 April.{{sfn|Ogden|Senior|1992|p=82}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} The first street-level trams began running on 27 April between Victoria and G-Mex (renamed {{tram|Deansgate-Castlefield}} in 2010), and the [[Altrincham Line]] opened on 15 June from G-Mex to [[Altrincham Interchange|Altrincham]]. The branch to [[Manchester Piccadilly station|Piccadilly station]] opened on 20 July.{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}} Metrolink was officially opened by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on 17 July 1992.{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=9}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|p=90}}<ref name=oldest>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18867824 |date= 17 July 2012 |title= Manchester's oldest Metrolink trams to be replaced |access-date= 20 January 2013 |work= BBC News |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121106124651/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18867824 |archive-date= 6 November 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref>

==== Phase 2 ====
[[File:Metrolink tram in Eccles.jpg|thumb|A (now retired) T-68A tram on the Eccles line, opened in 1999–2000 during Phase 2]]
In Phase 2, the Metrolink network was extended westwards to [[Eccles, Greater Manchester|Eccles]] along the new {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on}} [[Eccles Line]], as part of the 1990s [[urban regeneration]] of [[Salford Quays]],<ref name="Milestones">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf
 |title=Salford Quays Milestones: The Story of Salford Quays
 |publisher=Salford City Council
 |access-date=3 January 2013
|year=2008
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122642/http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf
 |archive-date=27 March 2009
}}</ref> increasing the total Metrolink route length to {{convert|24|mi|km}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-money-for-uk-light-rail.html |title=More money for UK light rail |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |date=1 January 2003 |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302144031/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-money-for-uk-light-rail.html |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The extension cost £160{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to £{{Inflation|UK|160|2000}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}} and was funded by the [[Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority|GMPTA]], the ERDF and private developers.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}} It was constructed 1997–99 by Altram (a consortium of [[Serco]], [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Ansaldo]] and [[John Laing plc|John Laing]]) and six new [[AnsaldoBreda T-68|AnsaldoBreda T-68A]] trams were bought to operate services on the line, but were also used in other locations across the network.{{sfn|GMPTE|2000}}{{sfn|GMPTE|2003|p=10}}<ref name=metuk>{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester-metrolink/|publisher=railway-technology.com|access-date=10 January 2013|title=Manchester Metrolink, United Kingdom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203090206/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/manchester-metrolink/|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The line was inaugurated by Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]] on 6 December 1999<ref name="LRTA9899">{{cite web|last1=Officer|first1=Tony Williams LRTA Manchester Area|title=News 1998 & 1999 — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA|url=http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/news/nen.html|website=Light Rail Transit Association|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712042542/http://lrta.org/Manchester/news/nen.html|archive-date=12 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> as far as [[Broadway tram stop]] as the street running section to [[Eccles Interchange]] was completed. The Broadway–Eccles section was opened on 21 July 2000, and the complete line was officially opened by [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Anne]] on 9 January 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/42018_whistlestop_princess_takes_home_hat_souvenir_ |work=Manchester Evening News |date=9 January 2001 |access-date=8 January 2013 |title=Whistle-stop Princess takes home hat souvenir |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420231936/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/42018_whistlestop_princess_takes_home_hat_souvenir_ |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Phase 3 ====
[[File:Didsbury Village Metrolink Stop Under Construction (geograph 3185533).jpg|thumb|Phase 3 included the re-opening of the disused railway line through [[Didsbury]]]]
The Phase 3 extension project, nicknamed the "Big Bang", was promoted by GMPTE and the [[Association of Greater Manchester Authorities]] (AGMA) in the early 2000s.<ref name=ann>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/5152948.stm |title= Metrolink extension is announced |date= 6 July 2006 |access-date= 7 January 2013 |work= BBC News |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090111165204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/5152948.stm |archive-date= 11 January 2009 |url-status= live }}</ref> The project, costing £489{{nbsp}}million (£{{Inflation|UK|489|2000}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|UK}}),{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} would create four new lines: the [[Oldham and Rochdale Line]], [[East Manchester Line]], [[South Manchester Line]], and [[Airport Line (Manchester Metrolink)|Airport Line]].<ref name=plan2>{{cite web |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/GMLTP/LTP2.pdf |title=Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2 |date=March 2006 |access-date=5 January 2013 |publisher=Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305214952/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/GMLTP/LTP2.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Phase 3 was put in doubt when central government funding was withdrawn due to increasing costs,<ref name=fury>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/aug/02/transport.politics |title=Tram fury rattles ministers |first=David |last=Ward |date=2 August 2004 |access-date=5 January 2013 |work=The Guardian |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828052302/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/aug/02/transport.politics |archive-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ann/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3910235.stm |title=Government scraps trams extension |date=20 July 2004 |work=BBC News |access-date=19 January 2013}}</ref> but after negotiations with the Department for Transport, Phase 3 was split into two parts, 3a and 3b, to secure investment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4120216.stm |title=Metrolink 'to axe hospital route' |work=BBC News |date=22 June 2005 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224072552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4120216.stm |archive-date=24 December 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=planb>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/05/13/130509_metrolink_map_plan_b_feature.shtml |title=Metrolink: back on track? |date=13 May 2009 |access-date=19 January 2013 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114112604/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/05/13/130509_metrolink_map_plan_b_feature.shtml |archive-date=14 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}} 

The new {{convert|0.25|mi|km|adj=on}} spur off the Eccles Line to {{tram|MediaCityUK}} was funded separately by the [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]].<ref name="evo" />{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=80}}<ref name="metuk" /><ref name="MEN-opening">{{cite news|title=Metrolink trams pull in to MediaCityUK station for first time |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |access-date=25 September 2010 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923105728/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |archive-date=23 September 2010 }}</ref> As part of Phase 3, the original blue T-68 trams were also phased out and replaced with a new fleet of [[Bombardier M5000]] trams, which entered service in December 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A new generation of trams for Greater Manchester |url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx |publisher=Metrolink |access-date=15 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113051255/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/futuremetrolink/Pages/new-trams.aspx|archive-date=13 November 2012}}</ref>[[File:Tram_Across_the_Mersey,_David_Dixon,_4237015.jpg|thumb|Phase 3 extended Metrolink to Manchester Airport and introduced a new fleet of [[Bombardier M5000|M5000]] trams|217x217px]]
Beginning in October 2009 with the closure of the {{convert|14|mi|km|adj=on}} [[Oldham Loop Line|Oldham Loop heavy rail line]], Phase 3a involved converting this line to [[Oldham and Rochdale Line|light rail operation]], including rebuilding all stations on the route and adding several new stops as well,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1150326_signalman_reaches_end_of_line |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804220337/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1150326_signalman_reaches_end_of_line |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 August 2012 |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=5 October 2009 |date=1 October 2009 |title=Signalman reaches end of line |last=Kirby |first=Dean }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1069009_end_of_era_as_loop_line_is_replaced
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114072105/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1069009_end_of_era_as_loop_line_is_replaced
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=14 January 2013
|work=Manchester Evening News
 |access-date=5 October 2009
|date=26 September 2008
|title=End of era as loop line is replaced
}}</ref><ref name="reach">{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/metrolink-trams-reach-oldham-mumps.html |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=13 January 2013 |title=Metrolink trams reach Oldham Mumps |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201063038/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/metrolink-trams-reach-oldham-mumps.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> re-opening a disused {{convert|1.7|mi|km|adj=on}} section of the [[Cheshire Lines Committee|Cheshire Lines Committee railway]] to use as the first part of the [[South Manchester Line]] (up to {{tram|St Werburgh's Road}}), and building a new {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on}} [[East Manchester Line]] as far as {{tram|Droylsden}}.<ref name="metuk" /><ref name="catchup" /><ref name="planb" /><ref name="first3a">{{cite news |date=8 July 2011 |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/first-line-opens-under-pound14bn-manchester-tram-expansion.html |title=First line opens under £1·4bn Manchester tram expansion |work=Railway Gazette International |location =London |access-date=19 January 2013}}</ref> When completed in 2013, Phase 3a increased Metrolink's total network length to {{convert|43|mi|km}}.<ref name="NextRochdale">{{cite press release |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=175 |publisher=Transport for Greater Manchester |title=Next stop: Rochdale! |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523001932/http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=175 |archive-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/77999/next-stop-rochdale |title=Next stop: Rochdale! |work=Rochdale Online |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225062604/http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/77999/next-stop-rochdale |archive-date=25 February 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Phase 3b involved the construction of a new {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on}} [[Airport Line (Manchester Metrolink)|Airport Line]] to [[Manchester Airport]],<ref name=start3b>{{cite news |date= 22 March 2011 |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-starts-phase-3b.html |title= Manchester Metrolink starts Phase 3b |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143218/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-starts-phase-3b.html |archive-date= 24 September 2015 |url-status= live }}</ref> and extending three of the Phase 3a lines: the [[East Manchester Line]] to [[Ashton-under-Lyne]];<ref name=ashdids>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/ashton-and-didsbury-metrolink-extensions-funded.html |title= Ashton and Didsbury Metrolink extensions funded |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |date= 8 March 2010 |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121023141226/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/ashton-and-didsbury-metrolink-extensions-funded.html |archive-date= 23 October 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref> the [[South Manchester Line]] to [[East Didsbury tram stop|East Didsbury]];<ref name=EastDids>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-passengers-told-can-tram-3710695 |title=Metrolink extension to East Didsbury to open next week- three months early |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2013 |first=Dean |last=Kirby |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and adding street-running routes through [[Oldham]] and [[Rochdale]] town centres to the [[Oldham and Rochdale Line]].{{sfn|Young|2008|p=163}}{{sfn|Holt|1992|pp=92–93}}<ref name=reach/><ref name=3bcon>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban-rail/single-view/view/manchester-metrolink-phase-3b-confirmed.html |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=19 January 2013 |title=Manchester Metrolink Phase 3b confirmed |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met_roch.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6E0PFqxf0?url=http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/Metrolink/met_roch.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2013 |publisher=Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority |title=Bringing Metrolink to Oldham and Rochdale |year=2000 |access-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref> Construction work began in March 2011, and Phase 3b was completed in November 2014 with the [[Airport Line (Manchester Metrolink)|Airport Line]]'s opening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolink.co.uk/airport/Pages/index.html|title=Metrolink – The Airport Line has landed|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213537/http://www.metrolink.co.uk/airport/Pages/index.html|archive-date=7 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=3 November 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29879147 |title=Metrolink line to Manchester Airport opens a year early |work=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026102656/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-29879147 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Phase 3b was delayed after a failed bid to raise funding through the [[Greater Manchester Transport Innovation Fund]] and a proposed [[Greater Manchester congestion charge|traffic congestion charge]] in 2008. GMPTE and AGMA instead funded Phase 3b through a combination of [[council tax]], government grants, Metrolink fares and contributions from the [[Manchester Airports Group]] and other bodies.

==== Second City Crossing ====
[[File:Trams on Cross Street, Metrolink Second City Crossing, David Dixon, 5301810.jpg|thumb|Two trams running on the Second City Crossing (2CC) in Cross Street in 2017]]
With increased tram traffic brought about by the expansion of the Metrolink network, it became necessary to build a new route across Manchester City Centre to alleviate congestion and improve capacity.<ref name=2cc/>{{sfn|TfGM|GMCA|2011|p=84}}<ref name=mini>{{cite news|url=http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/14501-ministers-clear-way-for-second-city-centre-metrolink-line.html|work=Place North West|date=7 October 2013|access-date=7 October 2013|title=Ministers clear way for second city centre Metrolink line|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203103/http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/14501-ministers-clear-way-for-second-city-centre-metrolink-line.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Known as the Second City Crossing (or 2CC), the project involved laying {{convert|0.8|mi|km}} of tram tracks from [[St Peter's Square tram stop]] via Princess Street, [[Albert Square, Manchester|Albert Square]], Cross Street and Corporation Street to rejoin the original Metrolink line just before Victoria station. One new tram stop was built at {{tram|Exchange Square}}.<ref name=2cc>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13684701 |work= BBC News |title= Metrolink second city crossing 'vital' for Manchester |date= 8 June 2011 |access-date= 7 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120527180249/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13684701 |archive-date= 27 May 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref> The project also involved re-ordering [[St Peter's Square, Manchester|St Peter's Square]] and re-siting the [[Manchester Cenotaph|Cenotaph]] to accommodate an enlarged tram interchange and junction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Linton |first1=Deborah |title=Workmen start on cenotaph relocation |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-cenotaph-move-side-st-6559512 |access-date=28 February 2017 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=25 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170301005743/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchesters-cenotaph-move-side-st-6559512 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The realigned tracks were to run over the site of the former [[St Peter's Church, Manchester|St Peter's Church]] (demolished 1907). To protect the remaining underground [[Burial vault (tomb)|burial vault]]s of the church, concrete slabs were put in place below street level before the tram tracks were laid.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Charlotte |title=Experts uncover 270 bodies as part of Cross Street Metrolink works |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-cross-street-270-bodies-9670347 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=16 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522052454/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-cross-street-270-bodies-9670347 |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-date=22 May 2022 |language=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Unearthing Manchester's hidden crypt and secret cemetery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-30779807 |work=BBC News |date=27 January 2015 |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621232735/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-30779807 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gmaf">{{cite web |title=Greater Manchester's Past Revealed Life and Death in Manchester - Excavations along the Second City Crossing |url=https://diggreatermanchester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gmpr29-life-and-death-in-manchester.pdf |publisher=Greater Manchester Archaeology Federation |access-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112232705/https://diggreatermanchester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/gmpr29-life-and-death-in-manchester.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2024 |pages=7–15 |url-status=live}}</ref>  The stone cross marking the location of the former church was restored and re-instated close to its original location, in between the tracks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Heath |first1=Helen |title=Bishop of Manchester rededicates cross in St Peter's square - The Northern Quota |url=https://thenorthernquota.org/bishop-manchester-rededicates-cross-st-peters-square/ |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=The Northern Quota - Latest news from Manchester |date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518060622/https://thenorthernquota.org/bishop-manchester-rededicates-cross-st-peters-square/ |archive-date=18 May 2024 |language=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

Construction began in 2014, and the 2CC route opened fully in February 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-second-city-crossing-opens-12654231 |title=26th February 2017:Second City Crossing opens |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170225162649/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-second-city-crossing-opens-12654231 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Trafford Park ====
The Transport & Works Act Order for the 3.4 mile (5.4 km) [[Trafford Park Line]] was granted in October 2016.<ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trafford-centre-line-approved-12021610 "Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre will go ahead despite objections from Coronation Street and Manchester United"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016222349/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-trafford-centre-line-approved-12021610 |date=16 October 2016 }}. ''[[Manchester Evening News]]''. 14 October 2016.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-37645935 "Metrolink's Trafford Park £350m Tramline Approved"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129101729/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-37645935 |date=29 November 2018 }}. ''BBC News''. 13 October 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/powers-granted-for-manchester-metrolink-trafford-park-extension.html "Powers granted for Manchester Metrolink Trafford Park extension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017024702/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/powers-granted-for-manchester-metrolink-trafford-park-extension.html |date=17 October 2016 }}". ''[[Railway Gazette International]]'' (London). 14 October 2016.</ref> This new line includes six tram stops, including, but not limited to, a stop at [[Wharfside tram stop|Wharfside]] to serve [[Old Trafford Stadium]] closer and faster than [[Old Trafford tram stop]], a stop at [[Imperial War Museum tram stop|Imperial War Museum]], also providing a closer and faster connection to [[Imperial War Museum North|IWM North]] from the city centre, the alternative tram option being walking from [[MediaCityUK tram stop|MediaCityUK]], and a stop adjacent to [[Barton Dock Road tram stop|Barton Dock Road]], serving [[Trafford Centre#Trafford Palazzo (formerly Barton Square)|Trafford Palazzo]]. All six stops also opened with new dot matrix displays unique to the rest of the network. Enabling works began in January 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/enabling-works-begin-on-new-trafford-park-metrolink-line |title=Enabling works begin on new Trafford Park Metrolink line |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820163108/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/enabling-works-begin-on-new-trafford-park-metrolink-line |archive-date=20 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the first test tram ran in November 2019 between [[Pomona tram stop|Pomona]] and [[Village tram stop|Village]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=News 2019 — Manchester Metrolink — LRTA |url=https://lrta.info/archive/Manchester/news/index.html#jan.a |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=lrta.info}}</ref> The line finally opened on 22 March 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=The opening date for the Metrolink Trafford Park Line has been confirmed |date = 9 March 2020|url=https://themanc.com/news/the-opening-date-for-the-metrolink-trafford-park-line-has-been-confirmed/ |publisher=The Manc |access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> The [[COVID-19]] [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|pandemic lockdown in the UK]] on the second day of operation overshadowed news of the new line's opening, leading to it not getting much ridership after the lockdown ended.