One of the UK’s coolest cities to get £6million tram and train overhaul – with plans for first ever underground network

ONE of the UK's coolest cities is set to get a £6 million tram and train overhaul with plans for its first ever underground network.

The seven-figure cash boost into Manchester's Bee Network will see a new wave of tram and train expansion across the city.

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It forms part of a travel strategy launched by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority that aims to deliver easily accessible public transport to 90 per cent of its residents.

The goal is to provide a bus or tram service within a five minute walk that runs every 30 minutes by 2030.

New and approved funding will speed up a series of exciting travel plans for the region that could also see "very early development work" on a central underground system.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said that every part of the city "needs to feel the benefits of Greater Manchester's growth".

“This latest funding means we can develop the case for a pipeline of both tram and tram-train new lines and extensions – and ultimately underground infrastructure in the city centre – to make sure we get a public transport system befitting the global city region we are," he said.

He added that while more people are using the Bee Network, it's vital residents are given alternative options to the car.

A number of projects are set to benefit from the new cash injection.

This includes assessing the viability of a central underground network in the city centre.

Work has begun on finalising the business case for the expansion of Metrolink between East Didsbury to Stockport with construction mooted to begin in 2030.

Progress is also expected to be made on the Airport Line's "Western Leg" that could include stops at Wythenshawe Hospital, Davenport Green, Altrincham, Stockport, and the Mid-Cheshire line.

Elsewhere, preparation will get underway for a north-west link including Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, including potential stops at Leigh, Wigan, and Bolton.

Travel bosses will also review plans for connections to Middleton, Northern Gateway, Trafford Waters, Port Salford, and the Western Gateway.

There are also plans for protecting possible future routes to Glossop, Hadfield, Marple and Warrington.

Construction is also due to get started for the Oldham-Rochdale-Heywood-Bury tram train in 2028.

A new fleet of "next-generation" double-length, walk-through trams will also be purchased with the new investment.

Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Better transport is a core enabler of economic growth, higher productivity and greater access to homes, jobs and wider opportunity across the whole of Greater Manchester.

“This new development work will help ensure that we have a pipeline of projects to build on everything that is already being done across bus, tram, rail and walking, wheeling and cycling as we create an integrated Bee Network for the people and businesses of this fast-growing city-region.”

It comes after The Sun reported last month that bold new plans to tunnel beneath Manchester for an underground train and tram network were officially unveiled.

If delivered, the scheme would represent one of the most significant transport overhauls in Manchester’s history.

It would add a subterranean layer to the expanding Bee Network and is designed to alleviate congestion as the city’s population and economy continue to grow.