Manchester Metrolink (Non speculative discussion)

[Xenophon PCDGS]

If any of those aspirational future Metrolink lines has any street-running in them, based on what sees an eternity of Metrolink problems in the areas already served, there will be somewhat unpleasant surprises in store for the residents of those towns.

 

[edwin_m]

If any of those aspirational future Metrolink lines has any street-running in them, based on what sees an eternity of Metrolink problems in the areas already served, there will be somewhat unpleasant surprises in store for the residents of those towns.

Assuming you're referring to this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce78078ky93o. I can't see anything on the Bee Network or GMCA sites.

A date has yet to be announced for work on the new Metrolink lines to Stockport, Heywood and Middleton with a preparation of a business case for expanding it to Bolton.

Mr Burnham said the region would have to "go underground" by the middle of the century to ensure its growth continued.

That would be done through tunnelling and creating underground "rapid transit" travel networks, "going beyond the Bee Network", he said.

There is a route diagram on the same link, which suggests new Metrolink options:

• Bury line branch to Middleton
• East Didsbury to Stockport
• Salford Crescent to Salford Quays
• Trafford Park to Port Salford

Tram-train options:

• Bury-Heywood-Rochdale(-Oldham)
• Manchester-Guide Bridge then branching to Glossop/Hadfield, Marple/Rose Hill via Hyde
• Stockport-Ashton via Denton and Guide Bridge
• Marple/Rose Hill direct
• East Didsbury to Hazel Grove
• Stockport to Altrincham, connecting at Baguley to the Airport line
• Airport to Hale (and presumably Altrincham line)
• Warrington, branching to Cadishead
• Wigan via Atherton, branches to Bolton and Tyldesley

All these are approximate due to the vagueness of the map, but most have been on the table for at least 10 years. I don't know anything about Airport to Hale,Salford Crescent to Salford Quays, Tyldesley or Cadishead, but the others are unlikely to involve much street running with other traffic.

 

[507 001]

So trams can turn right at top of Mosley St to Piccadilly Gardens but not go straight on to MArket St
Trams from Piccadilly Gardens can turn right onto Market St

It’s MKT05P points that have the issue, so the ones at Market Street station itself. You can go towards Piccadilly but not towards Market Street.

 

[The exile]

If any of those aspirational future Metrolink lines has any street-running in them, based on what sees an eternity of Metrolink problems in the areas already served, there will be somewhat unpleasant surprises in store for the residents of those towns.

One would hope (no doubt in vain) that any expansion outward would be accompanied by an expansion of the city centre network. Ideally there should be no single points of failure inwards of places where branches converge.

 

[AlastairFraser]

If any of those aspirational future Metrolink lines has any street-running in them, based on what sees an eternity of Metrolink problems in the areas already served, there will be somewhat unpleasant surprises in store for the residents of those towns.

Metrolink is generally more reliable than heavy rail services in the region, so even the Metrolink level of distruption would be an improvement.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Metrolink is generally more reliable than heavy rail services in the region, so even the Metrolink level of distruption would be an improvement.

Perhaps it is unfortunate that in recent times, there have been quite a number of service disruption that can cause travel-to-work (and home again) problems for the regular users of the Metrolink system.

 

[edwin_m]

One would hope (no doubt in vain) that any expansion outward would be accompanied by an expansion of the city centre network. Ideally there should be no single points of failure inwards of places where branches converge.

There was a mention of tunnels in the item I linked earlier. I guess this would be a tunnel in the city centre to increase capacity there.

 

[AlastairFraser]

Perhaps it is unfortunate that in recent times, there have been quite a number of service disruption that can cause travel-to-work (and home again) problems for the regular users of the Metrolink system.

At least Metrolink are usually quick to organise ticket acceptance on the bus or other alternatives during disruption, so people can continue their journey with minimal delay.
The simplified ticket environment is a definite advantage in this type of situation - no complicated explanations involving Advance tickets for cancelled trains and Carlisle Support Services employees at Piccadilly!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

At least Metrolink are usually quick to organise ticket acceptance on the bus or other alternatives during disruption, so people can continue their journey with minimal delay.
The simplified ticket environment is a definite advantage in this type of situation - no complicated explanations involving Advance tickets for cancelled trains and Carlisle Support Services employees at Piccadilly!

This thread concerns itself with the Manchester Metrolink system, so talk of railways is straying a tad off the subject. If someone normally would take the Metrolink from the Wythenshawe area to Chorlton for daily work purposes, there is no train replacement for that particular journey.

 

[AlastairFraser]

This thread concerns itself with the Manchester Metrolink system, so talk of railways is straying a tad off the subject. If someone normally would take the Metrolink from the Wythenshawe area to Chorlton for daily work purposes, there is no train replacement for that particular journey.

But there is a bus alternative route, which is usually swiftly arranged by the operators, KeolisAmey Metrolink!

 

[Class 466]

Perhaps it is unfortunate that in recent times, there have been quite a number of service disruption that can cause travel-to-work (and home again) problems for the regular users of the Metrolink system.

Especially for the Rochdale line - their journeys have been disrupted for more of the year so far than not. The network seems to be particularly unreliable at present - I'm watching from a distance mind you as I've switched to a bus commute to save £70 a month.

 

[Northerngirl]

Hopefully the working being done this summer will help alot, all of the failures recently have been due to knackered infrastructure, but they are getting it sorted, perfect proof of why preventative maintenance is needed

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The Metrolink three-day strike will be from Thursday, 25th July to Saturday, 27th July.

I am rather out of touch. Has there been any positive movement made in regards to the threatened strike?

 

[Tim33160]

Points problems at Market St last evening saw trams diverted running Altrincham - Bury via Exchange Sq and Airport - Victoria as well

This morning this is revised from first tram:

Due to a points fault at Market Street the following service change in the City Centre is in operation:
Altrincham to Bury directs and Airport services are operating via Exchange square and will not call at Market Street or Shudehill.
Bury to Piccadilly will operate as normal.

So trams can turn right at top of Mosley St to Piccadilly Gardens but not go straight on to MArket St
Trams from Piccadilly Gardens can turn right onto Market St

Perhaps this will continue until track replacement due to start next week?

The above was right at 6.30am when I checked but by 7.30am it had changed to trams towards Altrincham and Airport were diverted via Exchange Sq, with trams towards Victoria travelling their normal route via Market St.

 

[317 forever]

Metrolink is generally more reliable than heavy rail services in the region, so even the Metrolink level of distruption would be an improvement.

At least Metrolink is not part of Northern Rail

 

[AlastairFraser]

At least Metrolink is not part of Northern Rail

Imagine the rate of staff shortage if it were! A huge crowd heading for Old Trafford on a Sat would end up flooding Piccadilly Gardens while they wait as the next 16 trams have been cancelled due to staff shortage.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Imagine the rate of staff shortage if it were! A huge crowd heading for Old Trafford on a Sat would end up flooding Piccadilly Gardens while they wait as the next 16 trams have been cancelled due to staff shortage.

Instead the next 16 trams would be all held up, one behind the other, because of a points failure...

 

[AlastairFraser]

Instead the next 16 trams would be all held up, one behind the other, because of a points failure...

With a reasonable alternative organised very quickly, in my experience!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

With a reasonable alternative organised very quickly, in my experience!

Even when as many as 16 tram-replacent buses have to be called in one lot....

 

[AlastairFraser]

Even when as many as 16 tram-replacent buses have to be called in one lot....

Yep!

 

[Cross City]

Is there any info as to what will or won't be running during the strike action this week?

 

[RockemSockem]

Is there any info as to what will or won't be running during the strike action this week?

Strike is going to be called off, and improved offer has been made that is being balloted with a recommendation.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Strike is going to be called off, and improved offer has been made that is being balloted with a recommendation.

When will the results of the ballot be known?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jul 2024 ==

Disruption expected: Saturday 26 August
Information about the events and disruption around Greater Manchester on 26 August and how to keep you moving by bus, tram, train, cycling and walking tfgm.com

On Skyscraper City website, a posting states the threatened 3-day Metrolink strike from Thursday, 25th July to Saturday, 27th July has been put on hold and a more improved offer made and a ballot will be held with a recommendation for acceptance.

 

[507 001]

Strike is going to be called off, and improved offer has been made that is being balloted with a recommendation.

Don’t count your chickens…

 

[RockemSockem]

When will the results of the ballot be known?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jul 2024 ==

Should be today at some point from the comms I have been shown.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2024 ==

This is the most recent offer.

 

[sierraromeo]

More issues with the points in the centre? Trams south to north now also going via Exchange square, obviously not stopping at market street and Shudehill (my regular).

 

[RockemSockem]

Should be today at some point from the comms I have been shown.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2024 ==

This is the most recent offer.

Pay deal accepted, strike will be cancelled

 

[jfollows]

Pay deal accepted, strike will be cancelled

Thank you for that update.

 

[Bungle965]

More issues with the points in the centre? Trams south to north now also going via Exchange square, obviously not stopping at market street and Shudehill (my regular).

Engineering works starting early are they?

 

[Par]

TfGM have today provided an update on the ground movement problem between Shaw and Oldham:-

”Land movement affecting the Metrolink network near Derker has slowed, enabling detailed ground investigations and temporary repair works to get underway.

To get trams running again, a small section of track has to be moved back into its original position. The overhead line poles also need to be repaired. Due to the complexity of the work, it is expected to take up to five weeks to complete, and we are looking to accelerate repairs.

The detailed ground investigations will establish whether further work to strengthen foundations beneath the track will be needed at a later date”