METROLINK, the successful light rapid transit system which Bury helped pioneer, is on the move again.

Four consortia have been shortlisted and invited to tender for Metrolink Phase III which includes the existing Bury service.

The single contract is to design, build, operate and maintain the three extensions to Rochdale and Oldham, Manchester Airport and Ashton-under-Lyne.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) have announced that four of the six consortia who returned pre-qualification submissions for Phase III concessions have been invited to make tenders for the contract.

The four are GMRT Co; Greater Manchester Tramways Ltd; Maintram and Manchester Tram Company.

Geoff Inskip, Metrolink project director and deputy director general of GMPTE, said: "I am pleased to say that we have had a very strong and keen interest from consortia hoping to win the concession to operate and construct the proposed extensions to the Metrolink network and run the existing lines. "Having carefully considered the pre-qualification submissions and finalised the tender list, we now look forward to working together with the four shortlisted consortia for the next stage to tender."

He added: "The Metrolink single contract is a massive project which will more than double the size of the Metrolink network and bring enormous benefits to the people of Greater Manchester by providing a high quality alternative to travel by private car."

Subject to private funding, the contract may also include the extension to the Trafford Centre.

Tender prices will also be asked for the extensions to East Didsbury and The Lowry, following which further Government support may be sought.

The consortium which wins the contract will also take over the operation of the existing Metrolink lines to Bury, Altrincham and Eccles.

All four consortia will be invited to return their tenders by the autumn. It is intended that the concessionaire will be appointed in 2002.