A total of 40 new trams have been ordered to run across the existing network and the new lines. The first were introduced into service at the end of December 2009. A further eight trams have been ordered to run on the additional extensions to Ashton-under-Lyne and Didsbury, announced in March 2010.
The introduction of the new trams means passengers will experience quieter, smoother journeys, less crowding at peak times and a more reliable service.
Sporting bright new colours, not only do they look strikingly different from the existing trams, they bring a host of other new features such as:
Where they come from
The M5000 Flexity Swift trams are manufactured by global transport company Bombardier at its factory in Vienna in Austria. The electrical equipment is provided by Vossloh Kiepe in Dusseldorf.
Where else they run
Similar vehicles operate in several European cities including London, Cologne, Bonn, Rotterdam and Stockholm.
Why they are more accessible
The new trams are compliant with Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR). This means that there is more room in circulation areas such as in and around doorways and aisles.
Key facts
