Aussie expert hired for Metrolink expansion

12:00pm Friday 16th May 2008

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AN Australian transport expert, who oversaw the recent expansion of Melbourne's tram network, has been hired in Greater Manchester.

Philip Purdy has made the 10,500-mile trip from Melbourne to Manchester to take up his new role as Metrolink director at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).

He will oversee improvements to the existing Metrolink network, as well as the £600 million expansion to Chorlton in South Manchester, Media City UK in Salford Quays and Droylsden in Tameside.

Philip said: "It's a very exciting time to be joining the Metrolink team. Manchester is a world-class city and I'm looking forward to being able to provide a tram system that matches that.

"The new Metrolink extensions will nearly double the size of the network and take an extra five million car journeys off the roads every year. They will bring huge benefits to new parts of Greater Manchester and I'm delighted I'll be helping to make them become a reality."

New Metrolink lines could also be built into areas including Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre, if congestion charging plans go ahead.