The contract to run Manchester Metrolink has been extended for three years from this July until July 2027.

KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd has operated the concession since July 2017, and since then 27 more trams have been added to the fleet, while the new line to Trafford Park was opened in 2020.

Transport for Greater Manchester said the new contract concentrates on performance, as well as further improvements to the network and more staff working on the front line to combat fraudulent travel and antisocial behaviour.

The extended contract will be overseen by Damien Chabas, who was appointed by KAM as its new managing director in August last year.

Metrolink is part of Greater Manchester’s newly launched Bee Network, paving the way for an integrated transport system which would be similar to Transport for London. TfGM is planning to include local National Rail services in the network by 2030.

TfGM’s head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan said: ‘Since coming on board with us KeolisAmey Metrolink have become an invaluable partner to TfGM.

‘Together we have shown that we are committed to enhancing the Metrolink service for the benefit of our customers, whether that’s investing in the network or delivering excellent levels of reliability and punctuality.

‘There is still a lot of exciting work for us to do, and I am delighted that KAM will continue to be a part of this journey for the foreseeable future.’