Another change to Metrolink service patterns

Tram running to Ashton via Piccadilly approaching Shudehill on Balloon Street, 17 Sep 2026.

Following Monday 14 September 2026, the Manchester Metrolink trams are changing route formations again after the last change on 30 March 2026. The route colours on the official map have been changed around as well.

Direct trams from Eccles are now only running as far as Piccadilly, and the route colour has changed to yellow (previously used on Bury-Piccadilly route). Trams still run from Piccadilly to Ashton-under-Lyne. Trams from Bury have been extended past Piccadilly to Ashton-under-Lyne, replacing the previous Eccles Line route. This route is light blue like the previous Eccles-Ashton route. The peak time service formation to MediaCityUK has also restarted, running between MediaCityUK and Piccadilly. This means that services on the Eccles Line do not run via MediaCityUK at all times anymore, and direct journeys during the daytimes on the Eccles Line are speeding up passenger journeys by 6 minutes. The reintroduction of the peak service also means a 7.5 min frequency service to Harbour City, Anchorage, Salford Quays, and Exchange Quay, adding much needed capacity on the Eccles Line.

The previous changes meant that the Eccles Line only had a 15-min frequency service and all services ran via MediaCityUK, which was not ideal for passengers. This change was done so that the Trafford Centre route could be extended from Deansgate-Castlefield to Crumpsall as was planned in 2020. There wasn’t enough space on the core section before the 30 March 2026 changes were done.