page_title: Timeline of Manchester Metrolink
section_title: 1980s
hierarchical_section_title: Timeline of Manchester Metrolink / 1980s
caption_attribution_description: English: Debdale Park, Manchester
context_page_description: This timeline of Manchester Metrolink lists significant events in the history of Greater Manchester's light rail network.
context_section_description: 1982
  GMPTE conclude that an overground metropolitan light rail system to replace or complement the region's under-used heavy railways is the most economical solution to improving Greater Manchester's public transport network.
  1983
  As part of its proposals for light rail, GMPTE suggest that the Oldham Loop Line be re-routed and extended with on-street tramways through Oldham and Rochdale town centres.
  The Greater Manchester County Council purchases a disused section of the Cheshire Lines Committee railway between Chorlton-cum-Hardy and Didsbury for £1, hoping to stop development along the route and preserve it for use with a future light rail network.
  1984
  A Rail Study Group composed of officials from British Rail, Greater Manchester County Council and GMPTE, formally endorse a light rail system for Greater Manchester.
  1985
  The Local Government Act 1985 receives Royal Assent on 16 July 1985, stating that "the Greater London Council; and the metropolitan county councils" shall cease to exist.
  1986
  The Greater Manchester County Council is abolished on 31 March 1986 under the Local Government Act 1985. GMPTE becomes a joint-board of the ten district councils of Greater Manchester.
  GMPTE propose that Greater Manchester's light rail system include a line to Salford Quays to complement the regeneration of the Manchester Docks.
  1987
  A trial and public demonstration on 9 February 1987 uses Docklands Light Railway rolling stock on the freight-only Fallowfield Loop line adjacent to Debdale Park in Gorton.
  1988
  Plans to create a light rail line through Oldham and Rochdale town centres are laid before the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
  The name Metrolink and a system-wide aquamarine, black and grey corporate branding and vehicle livery is revealed at a press launch in June 1988.
  1989
  On 27 September 1989, following a two-stage tender exercise, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority award a contract to the GMA Group (a consortium composed of AMEC, GM Buses, John Mowlem & Company and a General Electric Company subsidiary) who in turn form Greater Manchester Metro Limited to design, build, operate and maintain Phase 1 of Metrolink.
  Michael Portillo approves the Metrolink construction contract on behalf of the Department for Transport on 24 October 1989.
caption: Docklands Light Railway rolling stock on public display in Debdale Park on 9 February 1987
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