Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is exploring proposals to bring the underused rail line through Denton into the Metrolink network, potentially improving connections for thousands of residents and businesses. The plans are being developed alongside Stockport Council as part of a business case for extending trams from East Didsbury to Stockport town centre.

The strategic outline case is examining a ‘core’ extension to Stockport, but TfGM is also considering longer-term options that could unlock future expansions. One proposal includes using tram-train technology, which allows vehicles to run on both tram and train tracks, to continue services beyond Stockport along the Denton rail line, connecting the area to wider Metrolink links, including Tameside and Manchester Airport.

Earlier this year, the government awarded Greater Manchester £2.5 billion through the Transport for the City Regions funding, which is intended for a pipeline of projects such as the Stockport tram line, tram-train services connecting Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood, and Bury, as well as new Metrolink stops and modern interchanges. The funding forms part of a broader investment strategy to support the city region’s growth ambitions and explore new approaches to financing major transport and infrastructure projects.

Metrolink is the UK’s largest light rail network, with 99 stops across seven of Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs. Usage has risen sharply in recent years, with 45.6 million trips recorded in 2024, up from 33.5 million in 2022. Significant progress has already been made on the first stage of the Stockport Metrolink extension business case, with technical work scheduled for completion this year ahead of submission to the Department for Transport in early 2026. Construction of the core East Didsbury to Stockport extension could begin by the end of the decade, subject to funding and approvals.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

"We’ve a bold plan to deliver a decade of good growth for Greater Manchester, one that benefits every part of the city region. Developing the Bee Network and delivering better bus, tram and train connections will be fundamental to our growth story. For too long, Denton has been overlooked and by working up the tram-train option to connect Denton and the wider area to the Metrolink is a big step toward unlocking opportunities for local residents and businesses. We’re committed to extending Metrolink to Stockport and beyond as part of our efforts to connect all our districts to the tram network and delivering a truly integrated transport network for everyone."

Andrew Gwynne, MP for Gorton & Denton, said:

“For years I’ve campaigned, alongside the local community, for improved transport links to Denton and across the constituency. I’m delighted that as part of the Metrolink extension plans, TfGM are looking seriously at using the rail line as an option for tram-train services. Improved connectivity is key to opening up opportunities for our people and communities, and supporting the growth ambitions across the city region. I’ve long campaigned for better transport links for Denton, and I’m delighted TfGM is looking seriously at this rail line as part of the Metrolink extension plans. This could be transformative for our community, improving connectivity and supporting growth across the area.”

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:

“Since my election to the House of Commons in December 2019, I have been pushing the Government to fund the extension of Manchester’s Metrolink tram network into my constituency of Stockport, and I thank the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chancellor and Transport for Greater Manchester for backing the extension to our town centre. This will be a significant boost for Stockport’s connectivity and local economy, helping people to get to work, school and healthcare appointments more easily and sustainably as well as unlocking new homes and jobs.”

Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Eleanor Wills, said:

“The options being developed to utilise the Denton rail line to expand Metrolink and better connect Ashton to Manchester Airport via Stockport have the potential to be truly transformational. The Ashton Mayoral Development Zone is an exciting and vital opportunity to unlock Ashton’s potential, providing new homes and quality jobs. With even better transport links we can set ourselves up to for good growth for many years to come.”

Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said:

“I’ve always said when it comes to MetroLink that it should be “Next Stop Stockport not Last Stop Stockport” to the help deliver the ambition we have -the delivery of Metrolink and improving public transport connectivity across the borough and Greater Manchester is something we can all get behind. With Greater Manchester embarking on a decade of good growth, the city region is committed through the Greater Manchester Strategy to developing a transport system for a global city region – with 90% of people within a five-minute walk of a bus or tram that comes at least every 30 minutes.”

Image: Transport for Greater Manchester