A record number of journeys using contactless were made on Metrolink last month, with passengers touching in and out more than one million times in March.

The payment method was first introduced in 2019 and has become the most popular method of payment among Metrolink customers, according to Transport for Greater Manchester.

The March milestone of 1.1 million brings the total number of contactless journeys to 19 million since 2019.

At the beginning of June last year, just 10 million journeys had been made on the tram network, showing the rate is increasing.

However, passenger numbers across the network remain at about 85 per cent compared to 2019 levels.

Passengers using the payment method simply touch their card, phone or other device at the smart reader at the start and end of their Metrolink journey.

The system means travellers will never pay more than the daily or weekly cap, provided they touch in and out with the same card or device on all journeys.

Danny Vaughan, head of Metrolink, said: “Contactless has been a game-changer for Metrolink, with it steadily becoming the most popular way for our customers to pay for their journeys.

“Having one million journeys made in a month is a great milestone and reason for optimism as we continue to encourage more people back onto our network.

“We’re looking forward to a summer full of events across Greater Manchester and I hope even more people will continue to benefit from the convenience of using contactless.”

Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic is ongoing across public transport, with patronage still below pre-pandemic levels.

Metrolink, the largest light rail network in the UK, carried 46.5 million people in 2019.

Inflationary pressures on energy and other costs present additional challenges, with Greater Manchester in discussion with the government for funding support over the next two financial years to help deliver the Bee Network, which TfGM says will be a fully integrated, London-style transport system by 2030.

TfGM has also been encouraging residents and visitors to Greater Manchester to get on board with public transport and active travel as part of the Bee Network journey.

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As part of the same campaign, businesses are receiving support to encourage their workforce and customers to use public transport and active travel too.

TfGM’s interactive online business portal acts as a ‘one stop shop’ for firms looking to make affordable and sustainable travel choices, support the wider economy, and help Greater Manchester towards its ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.

For example, passengers can take advantage of a number of discounted ticket offers from Metrolink, including Early Bird, Clipper, Weekly Cap, which provide value for money for users.