A NEW Metrolink line between Manchester Piccadilly and Droylsden has opened to passengers, although the launch was delayed for seven weeks by problems with Metrolink's new operating system, which has been surrounded by controversy because of repeated failures.

The 6.3km route extends Metrolink towards Ashton-under-Lyne and the second stage, to Ashton itself, is due to open by the end of this year.

The line includes street-running sections, and building them had caused disruption. As a gesture of apology for this, Metrolink had invited local residents carrying a special invitation to try out the service without charge for three days starting on 8 February, until the public opening on the 11th. Metrolink said the three days of free travel were 'a gesture of thanks to the community for its patience'.

Trams on the Droylsden line are now running every 12 minutes, and continue from Piccadilly on existing lines across the city centre to Victoria and onwards to Bury.

Councillor Andrew Fender, who chairs the Transport for Greater Manchester committee, conceded that the delay had been "disappointing", but hailed the launch of the service as "a very special moment – an historic moment for Metrolink, Manchester and Tameside."

He continued: "I have been eagerly awaiting the launch of services to Droylsden since funding was confirmed in 2008. A great deal of hard work has gone into this new line, a great deal of challenges overcome, and we are now realising the benefits of all that effort."

Tameside Council executive leader Councillor Kieran Quinn added: "There is no doubt that the arrival of Metrolink to Droylsden will be a massive boost for the people and businesses in the area.

"Today is the day I and many others have been looking forward to for four years because we can finally put all the disruption and turmoil behind us once and for all."