METROLINK welcomed commuters back on to the tram network today for the first time after services were restored through the new-look expanded St Peter’s Square stop - and the Altrincham - Bury line is back up and running.

Thousands of morning rush hour customers were able to get off at the revamped tram stop for the first time, or carry on their journey through to the north and east of the city.

It’s the first time in nine weeks a daytime commuter service has run through St Peter’s Square after Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) 14-month project to build the new stop.

The much bigger tram stop is now more central to the square and features two new platforms and two sets of track. More than 20 trees have been planted throughout the square during construction work including four on the stop itself – a first for Metrolink.

Services are now running on the revamped original city crossing along Mosley Street. Finishing works are continuing around the stop and the square area, and to connect with the new Second City Crossing line currently under construction along Princess Street.

When the new city crossing opens through to the Exchange Square stop next year, the expanded St Peter’s Square stop will allow more frequent and reliable services to run through the city.

Daytime services on the East Didsbury line have already increased from every 12 to every six minutes, while the original Altrincham – Bury line route has also been revived.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “It’s great to hear the familiar toot of the horn again in one of the city’s most important civic squares.

“Commuters are at the heart of the Metrolink service and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience over the summer.

“Millions of customers pass through St Peter’s Square every year and ultimately the new expanded stop will be able to handle even more passenger as the city and wider region continues to thrive and grow.

“There’s still work to do as we get the Second City Crossing line ready for services early next year, but having trams back running through the new stop is a big landmark for the project and the future of Metrolink in the city.”

More than £1 billion is being invested into city centre infrastructure improvements by 2017, including the Metrolink Second City Crossing, bus priority measures, six new and better cycle routes into the city centre and major rail improvements.

To find out more about Metrolink services visit metrolink.co.uk, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel updates.