Metrolink chaos (9th July)

[northwichcat]

In the last week Metrolink have downgraded most Altrincham-Bury services to single T68s (previously mainly paired up T68s.) Presumably, now the Chorlton-Victoria service is running they have less trams available and have an increased frequency between Deansgate and Victoria they have decided paired up T68s isn't in their best interests.

However, yesterday there was international cricket at Old Trafford and Metrolink decided they would, in the main, run the T68s on the Altrincham line in single mode and wouldn't, in the main, run additional services. A service I was on was packed leaving Cornbrook and was only able to take around 15 extra passengers when it reached Old Trafford.

Some people leaving the cricket decided to make the longer walk to Salford Quays Metrolink stop in the hope of getting on a tram. While they didn't have to wait as long to get on a tram they were also finding that trams were too full to take them. This was because BBC were filming some programs at Media:City yesterday with audiences arriving at and leaving Media:City filling up the trams.

I wonder what'll be like when Media:City is in full operation and there's international cricket at Old Trafford on the same day.

 

[WatcherZero]

I think its mainly as the T68's have been overheating in the sun recently, possibly having some work done or their less willing to throw them all into service in case of failures. On the weekend timetable there would have been plenty of trams available for strengthening if they desired.

Still waiting on ORR to approve the closure of Mosley Street so we can start operating double M5000's.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

However, yesterday there was international cricket at Old Trafford and Metrolink decided they would, in the main, run the T68s on the Altrincham line in single mode and wouldn't, in the main, run additional services. A service I was on was packed leaving Cornbrook and was only able to take around 15 extra passengers when it reached Old Trafford. I wonder what'll be like when Media:City is in full operation and there's international cricket at Old Trafford on the same day.

I think that this was an unfortunate circumstance based on the new line stock allocation being in such a situation, as WatcherZero has descibed plus the fact that the International cricket match being played on that day. There was no way that Metrolink could have taken the cricket match into consideration, as the problems affecting the new line to Chorlton must have been uppermost in the minds of the operators.

Being the 5th and final match of the series with the match results tied at 2-2, it was obvious that a large attendance would be at the cricket match. But whilst this seems a heaven-sent opportunity to boost Metrolink revenue, matters have to be viewed in the light of the situation affecting the Metrolink on that day.

 

[northernrail]

now the Chorlton-Victoria service is running they have less trams available

3014-3019 are now in service so there is no shortage

 

[northwichcat]

3014-3019 are now in service so there is no shortage

However, as Watcherzero pointed out, there's issues with the new trams being used in double formation.