METROLINK passengers can look forward to a more comfortable ride thanks to a £7 million Government boost.

The trams are to have an extra carriage which will enable them to carry nearly 50 per cent more people.

Transport bosses are delighted that the money will finally tackle the long-standing problem of over-crowding, especially during the rush hour.

A non-powered middle section will be inserted into existing trams, taking capacity from 210 passengers to 300.

This could mean that an additional 1.75 million people will be using the trams by 2004.

The money is part of a £63.2 million local transport funding package for Greater Manchester. Nearly £36 million of this will pay for improvements to bus stations and stops, quality bus corridors, new rail and Metrolink stations, and better cycle lanes and footpaths. The remainder is for maintaining local roads and strengthening bridges.

The Metrolink money has been welcomed by Councillor Guy Harkin, vice-chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

"Metrolink is widely acknowledged to be the most successful light rail system operating in the country," he said.

"Unfortunately the Bury and Altrincham lines often suffer from over-crowding, particularly at peak times, as a result of this success.

"The centre tram sections are needed in order to enable Metrolink to continue to grow and provide a high quality service for all its passengers."