Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the operators of the UK’s largest Light Rail system, Manchester Metrolink, is putting together a strategic outline case with Stockport Council to extend the Metrolink tram system to Stockport.

As part of Greater Manchester’s decade of good growth, both parties are exploring the potential to utilise the underused Denton railway line and incorporate it into the existing Metrolink network as a viable route to Stockport town centre from the existing terminus at East Didsbury.

With the strategic outline case being the first part of the business case process, at this stage, the focus is primarily on exploring how sharing the existing rail line, with its limited mainline services, through Denton, would transform connectivity for residents and businesses along the proposed route.

The utilisation of the Denton line in the Stockport extension plans has the potential to connect many residents not only into the Metrolink system but also into existing links to Manchester Airport and Tameside.

£2.5 billion was awarded by the government to Greater Manchester through the Transport for the City Regions Fund earlier this year, for a range of projects across the Greater Manchester region, including finding a suitable route to connect Stockport town centre to the Metrolink network.

Currently, 90% of the Greater Manchester region is within a 5-minute walking distance of a tram or bus stop that sees a regular half-hourly service.

With 99 tram stops across 10 boroughs, Manchester Metrolink is currently experiencing its highest numbers of passengers since the creation of the network. 45.6 million journeys were made on Manchester’s Metrolink system in 2024.

The business case utilising the Denton Line as part of the extension of the Metrolink to Stockport is due to be submitted to the Department for Transport in 2026. It is hoped that with approval and appropriate funding, work on the project will begin by 2030.

“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.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham

“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.”

Andrew Gwynne, MP for Gorton & Denton