metrolink was created by converting two british rail lines serving the suburbs of manchester, one to the town of altrincham to the south, and another to the town of bury to the north, to light rail. these two lines were joined up in manchester city centre, where trams run on the roads, and had a short branch to piccadilly railway station. this first section of the new system opened in 1992, and a newer line to eccles opened in 2001.