COMMUTERS have received a festive boost with the announcement that two additional double trams will run along the Bury line at peak times.

The news comes after passengers travelling to and from Manchester city centre voiced complaints about overcrowding during busy periods.

Two additional double trams on the Altrincham line have already been launched, and Metrolink bosses have confirmed that a further two trams will be added to the Bury line in early December.

They say that the extra trams will deliver space for around 400 more passengers an hour travelling to and from Manchester at peak times.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, said: “Passengers have raised concerns about overcrowding on this line in recent weeks and I have been in discussions with transport providers to ensure action is taken to respond to these concerns.

“Investment in transport infrastructure in Greater Manchester is vital – not only to help people get about, it’s also crucial to supporting the continued economic growth of the city-region.

“We already have the largest light rail network in the UK which helps millions of people get around the city-region every year but I remain committed to pushing for more investment from Government and looking at how we can better integrate all forms of public transport to ensure more people travel easily to work, to school and college, for shopping trips and for leisure.”

The increased capacity has been delivered following investment by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) into new substations along both the Bury and Altrincham lines.

Work on the Altrincham line is now complete, and it is expected that the Bury line will follow in the near future.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Metrolink is going from strength-to-strength and these additional trams will provide much needed extra capacity on our busiest lines.

“The recent investment we’ve made into our infrastructure has made this possible and I’m delighted that customers are already reaping the benefits.

“I’m pleased the additional trams will be up and running in time for the busy festive period, and will continue to serve commuters beyond that.”

For more information on Metrolink services visit www.tfgm.com, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink for live travel updates.