SERVICES to Derker and Shaw & Crompton on the new Oldham-Rochdale Metrolink line are scheduled to open to passengers for the first time this Sunday.
“This effectively marks the completion of the Oldham section of the Metrolink Phase 3A expansion and we’re delighted to see this opening now and providing a further boost to the local economy.
The first in-service tram to arrive at Derker is due to leave the Oldham Mumps stop on Sunday at around 6.50am and arrive at 6.54am. The same tram is then due to arrive at Shaw & Crompton at around 6.59am.
Journeys from Shaw & Crompton to Manchester city centre will take less than 30 minutes.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Today is another historic moment for the Metrolink network as we signal the launch of even more new services on Sunday.
“The new Metrolink line to Oldham Mumps has already proved to be a fantastic addition to what Oldham has to offer and I’m sure that these two new stops will be very popular with new and existing passengers alike.
“As the leader of the steering group that developed the blueprint for the Metrolink network almost 30 years ago – a blueprint that included the conversion of the Oldham Loop Line – witnessing this milestone is very pleasing indeed and I look forward to reaching Rochdale Railway Station.”
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Planning, said: “This is great news and a superb early Christmas present for our Borough.
“The opening of the line to Shaw and Crompton, and Derker, is a very important phase of the project and will act as a real boost to people living in these areas – and businesses – in terms of connectivity, giving them quick and convenient access to new jobs, leisure and recreation opportunities.
“This effectively marks the completion of the Oldham section of the Metrolink Phase 3A expansion and we’re delighted to see this opening now and providing a further boost to the local economy.
“Our long-term focus remains, of course, on the delivery next phase – the town centre extension. This is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken here and it will complement the wide range of regeneration activity which we already have planned for that area.”
Tickets from Shaw & Crompton to all stops in Manchester city centre (including Manchester Piccadilly and Deansgate-Castlefield) will cost £4.10 for a peak ‘anytime’ single and £6.20 for a peak ‘anytime’ return. The same tickets to Oldham Mumps will cost £2.10 and £3.60 respectively.
Tickets from Derker to Manchester city centre will cost at £3.40 for a peak ‘anytime’ single and £5 for a peak ‘anytime’ return. The same tickets to Oldham Mumps will cost £1.30 and £2 respectively.
100 new park and ride spaces will be available at Derker initially while work to provide a further 154 spaces continues. Once that work is complete in the coming months, more than 250 spaces will be available at Derker.
Parking facilities at Shaw and Crompton have also been refurbished, providing more than 40 spaces, and plans are being developed to provide additional parking in the future.
More than 200 parking spaces will also be provided at Rochdale Railway Station in the near future.
