TRANSPORT leaders have approved plans to keep trams running from Bury into the heart of Manchester city centre seven days a week.

Metrolink services are on track for change when the new Second City Crossing – known as “2CC” – opens early next year, with services running every day from Bury to Piccadilly.

Bury-to-Altrincham trams will be running from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday between Bury and Altrincham.

The 2CC programme aims to give Metrolink greater operational flexibility and improve service reliability, according to the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

A new line will allow for the long-anticipated extension of Manchester Airport services beyond Cornbrook to Deansgate-Castlefield initially and, then, Victoria.

Rochdale and Oldham services to and from East Didsbury will run along the new line through the city, serving Victoria, Exchange Square and St Peter’s Square.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said it is an exciting time for Metrolink, leading up to the Second City Crossing opening early next year.

“Under these new plans high frequency services will run to major city centre employment areas, with a targeted approach to meet passenger demand to travel along each route. Customers will be able to make quick and easy connections to travel anywhere on the 93-stop network with just one change of tram.”