The Trafford Park Metrolink line is helping people travel more sustainably, while also boosting regeneration and economic opportunity across Greater Manchester. Since opening in 2020, the line has encouraged thousands to switch from cars and taxis to public transport, with almost 700,000 car journeys taken off the roads from April 2024 to March 2025 alone. A third of passengers said they would have used a car or taxi if the tram wasn’t available, and 90% agreed it offers an attractive alternative to driving.
It has played a key role in attracting investment and supporting new developments, with planning activity in Trafford Park doubling since the line opened and the average value of applications has rising significantly, by 76%. Large scale planning applications combined with a rise in applications exceeding £10m since the line opened suggests increased attractiveness for high-value investment, contributing to the area’s economic appeal. Major projects like the £250 million Therme Manchester wellbeing resort have cited the improved transport links as a key factor in choosing the location.
- Nearly 700,000 car or taxi journeys were taken off the roads in 2024/25 thanks to the Trafford Park line.
- One-third of passengers said they would have travelled by car or taken a taxi if the tram wasn’t available.
- The number of planning applications for Trafford Park have doubled since the line opened, with the average value of proposed schemes rising by 76% to £47.9m.