INSPECTORS have praised Metrolink for running an efficient tram system.

The network, which includes Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich, was inspected by monitors from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).

They measured how Metrolink staff worked to satisfy customers and society the business and gave it a rating of four stars out of five.

That means the network "performs well in a number of areas and takes change seriously, gets things done and can demonstrate it has invested in some of the practices that will lead to success and that signs exist that some of the results achieved are going in the right direction".

Tim Jackson, chief executive officer of RATP Dev, said: "Since RATP Dev took over management of Metrolink in 2011, we have gone through significant growth and change.

"In just four years, we have almost trebled the size of the network and seen our workforce in Manchester double to 700 employees.

"In parallel with this very rapid development, we have changed the tram fleet, replaced the signalling, opened a new depot and relocated the control centre.

"As a result, and in partnership with our client Transport for Greater Manchester, we now operate seven lines, with a network length of 92km, carrying more than 34 million customer journeys each year, as well as maintaining more than 100 vehicles.

"Despite the rapid change and expansion which we have delivered, we have been determined to set very high standards, to implement a policy of continuous improvement and to achieve world-class recognition for these efforts.

"The EFQM accreditation is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment from talent and dedicated people we have working for us in Manchester and a reflection of the standards which RATP Dev sets internally for its transport operations worldwide."