Manchester Metrolink extensions

[AndyP]

According to the Manchester Metrolink website, both extensions to Chorlton and Central Park are supposed to be opening in Spring.
I assume it's not going to happen in the next 9 days then?

Does anyone know what the delay is?
Also, why haven't the platform indicator displays been switched on yet?
There are loads on the Altrincham line that were installed about 15 months ago!!

 

[Nym]

The delay is thanks to TfGM... no idea why, but the're just useless...

Platform displays, they run off the new signalling system, that isn't yet commissioned.

 

[WatcherZero]

From what ive heard the issue is that while the M5000 have passed the emmissions test for running alongside Network Rail infrastructure on first attempt with no modifications required they are producing interference with the new signallings wi-fi communication network, the T68 arent having the same issue.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Was there nothing in the pre-commissioning trials anywhere of the M5000 that could have foreseen the difficulties experianced with the wi-fi communication network. When was this problem first encountered?

 

[WatcherZero]

When MediaCity opened I think, tram loses its connection to the network and suddenly the signals cant see it so it doesnt recieve proceed aspects. They seem to have made progress and now its reasonably reliable however there are still 'blips' where the connections dropped every couple of days.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Do you think that TfGM will keep a low profile, media-wise, for the time being?

AndyP started this thread, so there will be other people who will remember the "Spring 2011" statement and who will start asking the "WHEN" question to TfGM and on forums similar to this one.

The TfGM Metrolink Projects office at 2 Piccadilly Place are very slow in answering queries. I had no replies to an e-mail sent to them in the first week in March, so I sent them a formal letter in writing, attaching my copy of the e-mail. Yesterday, I received a reply on the NEW TfGM letterheading with the NEW black logo, dated 16 May 2011, from Karen Aldcroft, Public Liason Officer,Metrolink Projects. I make this 10 WEEKS from the date of the original e-mail sent to them.

This makes the time period for query answering of 10 days from ATW in Cardiff seem positively supersonic.

 

[WatcherZero]

They had a lot on their plate really, change in organisation, merging of the transport units, staff moving offices, etc.. I tend to get responses to emails within about 10 days but I do recieve out of office notifications and have to deal with staff assigned the inquiry going on holiday same as when im dealing with the local council. Are they flawless?, no. Does passing the buck between TfGM and Stagecoach occur? yes. On the rebranding issue theyve decided to go for an organic rollout replacing signs, timetables and publications as their renewed rather than spending the money to replace everything in one go.

MediaCity kept its deadline (just) opening only a couple of days before the end of season and on the date it was contractually to open, of course the question is was it ready and should they have held off opening for a couple of weeks to iron out at least the mechanical bugs with points?

As to opening the extensions this spring? I think it will slip a couple of months, the track and stations have been completed for a couple of months and trams have run in test up and down it before, the East Manchester line was formally handed over to Tfgm a couple of weeks ago and you may have noticed it crawling with staff taking photos of the remaining snagging issues. However from all accounts the signalling isnt ready/reliable enough yet and the word from the top is they dont want to repeat MediaCity opening on time but having to close again, this time they want a flawless opening and are willing to wait longer to have it.

 

[323235]

This is what I received from TFGM Future Metrolink Team a few days ago, when I emailed them a few weeke ago regarding the South Manchester Line.

Dear Mr Wainwright,

Thank you for your enquiry.

The infrastructure on the new Chorlton Metrolink line is nearly complete with ‘snagging’ works currently being carried out.

The next stage is to install and commission the new Tram Management System and then commission and test the operation of the new line. This work is complex and requires integration with the existing network and thorough testing is needed to ensure the safety and reliability of services. The opening date for the South Manchester Line will be dependent on the outcome of the testing of the new tram management system. Once installation and testing is complete, we will carry out a programme of staff and driver training before we open the Chorlton line for passenger service.

Once the opening date is confirmed, we will be communicating this to residents and businesses in the local area. Information will also be available on our website www.tfgm.com. I will add your email address to our Priority Stakeholder database, so you will receive any future notifications in relation to the opening of the line via email. Please let us know if you would like it to be removed.

 

[WestCoast]

I'm just glad things are progressing reasonably well, unlike a certain other tram project making headlines.

I predict the South Manchester Line will open late August/early September, with the line to Oldham Mumps line slipping to spring next year.

 

[Ivo]

I think West Coast is close date-wise.

To me Spring has about a month to go yet

 

[185]

At least two Bombardier Engineers from Vienna are staying in Manchester at the moment for the next couple of months, think they've been sent over to keep an eye on things. I know they are working very long days at the moment

 

[northernrail]

I pass central park on the train to town, and it is looking very complete.
Monsall is looking ready to open, i guess a little bit more testing and thats it.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

This is what I received from TFGM Future Metrolink Team a few days ago, when I emailed them a few weeke ago regarding the South Manchester Line.

I spoke to Karen Aldcroft today at TfGM Metrolink and like you, she has added my e-mail address to the Priority Stakeholder datatbase.

She has the Manchester - Oldham - Rochdale route as a specific part of her remit and says the amount of correspondance, meetings, etc, is very time consuming at present.