Tony Lloyd is confident Rochdale will soon get a direct tram to Piccadilly

Tony Lloyd

Labour’s Tony Lloyd is hoping it’s full steam ahead to get Metrolink to run from the Rochdale to Piccadilly station.

Currently trams from Rochdale go to East Didsbury. To reach Piccadilly commuters either have to walk from St Peter’s Square in Manchester city centre, or get off at Victoria and board another tram to Piccadilly.

Mr Lloyd, Labour’s candidate for Rochdale on 8 June, said: “I will continue pressing Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) very hard to get a direct tram link from Rochdale to Piccadilly. It will be a great boost to travellers, and it will be a boost for local businesses too.

“It is important to investors and firms who are looking to relocate or expand in Greater Manchester that Rochdale has first class transport links. A direct tram service to one of the UK’s busiest train stations would be a great boost to Rochdale and business.

“As Interim Mayor for Greater Manchester I was pressing hard with bosses at TfGM for Rochdale to have a direct link to Piccadilly. I am confident the new Metrolink operator will be able to deliver. I will certainly keep up the pressure to get this key route for the town. I am very confident it will happen.”