Metrolink records PB on the day of the Manchester Marathon

Greater Manchester's Metrolink tram system is celebrating a Personal Best - recorded on the day of the Manchester Marathon.

More than 32,000 people set off on the 26.2 mile route around the city on Sunday, April 14, with many thousands of pounds raised for good causes along the way. Now Transport for Greater Manchester has revealed the day was the busiest single Sunday in Metrolink's 32-year history.

READ MORE: Co-op Live boss says he is 'not embarrassed' by late cancellation of Peter Kay shows

TfGM said 175,000 journeys were made, the highest passenger figure ever recorded on a Sunday. It was also the eighth busiest day on the network in total since Metrolink opened in April, 1992.

A TfGM spokesperson said its the second year in a row the record was beaten. They said: "This year's milestone was also 20 per cent higher than the second highest number of journeys ever recorded on a Sunday – 145,000 – which was also hit during the Manchester Marathon in 2023.

"Similarly to the last year’s race the network was busiest in the morning ahead of the start of the event, and in the early afternoon once the race was run. The Altrincham, Bury, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines were among the busiest on the day.

"Ahead of the marathon, Transport for Greater Manchester issued travel advice for runners, spectators and residents travelling into the regional centre, with many roads closed and bus services diverted, while also putting in place robust plans to provide capacity on Metrolink."

Danny Vaughan, TfGM's head of Metrolink, said: "As always we are delighted to support the marathon, which is one of the highlights of our events calendar here in Greater Manchester.

"To have smashed our record for the number of passenger journeys made on a Sunday for a second year in a row, and with it being during the marathon again, is truly special. I think this shows just how important Metrolink is for people living in our region, but also those visiting too.

"I want to thank everyone who chose to travel on Metrolink on race day, as well as the race organisers and partners who helped deliver another fantastic event.

"But I also want to say a huge thanks to our staff behind the scenes and on the frontline, and in particular the two Metrolink employees who looked after a runner who was taken ill onboard a tram on the day and helped him get home safely."

Metrolink began operation on April 6, 1992, with a tram between Manchester Victoria and Bury, before the network was expanded.