‘Amazing, much less hassle’
A new Metrolink map has been published(Image: Jake Lindley / Manchester Evening News)
People have spotted a key change on the new Metrolink map.
A new map of all tram lines and stops was published in March as significant maintenance began on the network over the spring and summer. Eagle-eyed regular passengers noticed a change on the Trafford Centre line, which appears to have been extended.
The line from the Trafford Centre now runs all the way to Crumpsall. The service previously terminated at Deansgate-Castlefield.
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The line now also serves the St Peter’s Square, Exchange Square, Victoria, Queens Road and Abraham Moss stops, before ending at Crumpsall. It has not been confirmed whether this is a temporary change due to the maintenance work, or whether this will remain once the works are finished.
People also noticed new walking symbols on the Metrolink map between a number of stops in Salford Quays. One Reddit user posted about the new map and wrote: “New Metrolink map! Trafford Centre trams finally going to Crumpsall. And new walking indicators in Salford Quays.”
Another user wrote: “Amazing, means I can change at Pomona instead of Cornbrook if I’m going to the Victoria side if town, much less hassle.”
Another said: “This should ease some congestion at Deansgate. You would constantly be waiting to get in there from the south because of a tram just sat at the middle platform waiting to go to Trafford Centre.”
Trams on the Trafford Centre line will now run to Crumpsall(Image: Metrolink)
Significant maintenance work began on the Metrolink network on March 30, and will last until the autumn. Tram service frequency will change from a 12 minute service to a 15 minute service – a move transport bosses said will allow for work to take place.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) previously announced that a major programme of work will take place this year, designed to build the capacity and resilience of tracks, trams and workforce. It is part of a £150m programme of work to maintain, upgrade, and improve tram infrastructure to make sure the Bee Network continues to deliver safe, reliable and accessible services for millions more people into the future, TfGM added.
Transport bosses admitted, however, there will be ‘some temporary periods of disruption for passengers’. Work will take place from spring at a number of locations – including near Trafford Bar, Deansgate-Castlefield, Monsall, Newton Heath & Moston, Eccles, Derker and Piccadilly Gardens – meaning trams will have to stop on some lines while the work is done.
The first major works took place during the Easter weekend at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield. These are preparatory works ahead of full track replacement later in the year and were set to be carried out over four days from 3 to 6 April.
TfGM said: “From Monday, 30 March until autumn a revised timetable will be introduced across the tram network. There will still be reliable and frequent tram services running every 15 minutes, supported by a peak service running every 7.5 minutes at the busiest times on the most popular lines.
“This is being done while a significant recruitment drive gets under way to take on and train up new tram drivers, building extra capacity and resilience in the workforce. During this temporary change, more double trams will run on the network to increase capacity in the busiest areas where it is most needed.
“As work is carried out throughout the year, TfGM and Metrolink operator KAM will use this opportunity to deep clean, maintain and make improvements to trams which are not being deployed on the network. This should improve the reliability of our trams, as well as improve the overall passenger experience.
Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said: “Keeping our network safe, reliable and ready for the future is our absolute priority. This year’s programme is one of the most significant we’ve ever undertaken and will strengthen the whole network—our track, our trams and our workforce.
“Whilst we complete this work, we will introduce a temporary timetable change that will run between spring and autumn. We know that some of this work will mean temporary disruption, and I want to thank passengers for their patience while we get it done.
“By investing now, we can reduce faults, improve day to day reliability and make sure Metrolink can keep pace with the growing number of people who depend on it every day now and for the future.”