Context

As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the North West has a fascinating industrial history, with Greater Manchester playing a key role in many industrial developments, including the expansion and improvement of transport services. From the world’s first passenger railway to one of the busiest UK light rail systems, Greater Manchester’s transport achievements have shaped transportation networks across the globe.

Greater Manchester has much to be proud of in transport terms; we had the first purpose built canal in 1761, the first bus service in the UK in 1824, the world’s first public passenger carrying railway in 1830 and one of the first extensive tramway networks in Britain.

Greater Manchester’s transport heritage can still be viewed today and is celebrated in a number of attractions across the region, taking visitors on a journey of discovery through the exciting depths of the North West’s transport past!