More trams for Metrolink’s busiest lines

More double trams will run at the busiest times on Metrolink’s two most-used tram lines.

Four extra trams will be used to run more ‘doubles’ at peak times on the Bury and Altrincham lines.

The news follows major investment in new electrical substations on these lines to power more double trams.

Last year the Bury and Altrincham lines alone carried more than 40% of all customer journeys, making them Metrolink’s busiest.

We own the Metrolink network and we’re responsible for planning for its future. We know more trams are needed so that Metrolink can continue to grow and keep people moving.

This is just the first step to help make more room for customers, and we want to make more improvements as soon as possible.

We’re looking closely at what we can do in the short term to make more room on other busy lines.

We’re also building a business case to bid for government funding for more trams.

We’re always listening and looking at ways to improve the service. Please contact us with any suggestions.

Read the full news release for more information.

Women encouraged to get pedalling in 2018

Cycle clubs, groups and not-for-profit organisations can now apply for grants of up to £2,500 towards events and activities.

The grants can be obtained from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and used to fund a variety of activities such as bike maintenance sessions, talks and led rides.

Events can be aimed at encouraging complete beginners to give cycling a go, through to women returning to cycling or those who may need a bit more confidence.

This year TfGM is looking for groups to run a whole programme or series of events rather than a one-off, single-day event.

The scheme, which has ran successfully in previous years, is part of a three month-long celebration of cycling that will take place from January through to March 2018.

Read the full news release for more information.

New Metrolink fares are now online

You can now see how Metrolink fare changes will affect your journeys from January next year.

By using the handy online ticket selector you'll be able to check out ticket prices before they come into effect in January 2018.

Metrolink fares will rise on average by 5.93% - but the overall percentage increase will vary between individual tickets.

The new fares include an increase of around 4% (split into 1.33% per year) – plus the annual RPI+1% over the course of the next three years. As Metrolink receives no public subsidy, any fares revenue pays for the rise in network operating costs.

This summer we ran an eight-week survey that asked you for your preference on how the fare increase should be applied. Just over 5,000 people responded, with 78% opting to spread the cost out over three years.

The fare changes follow a four year fare freeze in recognition of the £1.5bn programme to expand the Metrolink network into the UK’s largest tram system.

New lines have been introduced across Greater Manchester to MediaCityUK, East Didsbury, Rochdale via Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Airport. The final new line, through Manchester city centre, opened earlier this year.

A fleet of 120 trams now runs to 93 stops across seven lines, carrying more than 40 million passenger journeys a year.

Read the full news release for more information.

Sustrans Bike Life Report 2017

“Bike Life 2017 will help Transport for Greater Manchester, local councils and other partners plan for the future and build the right infrastructure, support and culture to ensure we meet our ambition to transform Greater Manchester into one of the UK’s leading cycling city regions.”

- Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester

Click here to access the Bike Life Report 2017

For further details on the Sustrans website please click here.

Cyclestreets.net - Journey Planner

Cycle Streets is a UK-wide cycle journey planner system, which lets you plan routes from A to B by bike. It is designed by cyclists, for cyclists, and caters for the needs of both confident and less confident cyclists.

As an example the link below shows the route for a cyclist travelling at a balanced speed from Sale (Tatton Road) to MediaCityUK (M50 2EQ).

The journey time is estimated at 31 minutes and turn by turn directions are provided.

https://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/59869627/#balanced

More experienced cyclists can choose a more direct route to travel at higher speeds.

Trafford Park Metrolink Line - Traffic Management Update

Dear recipient,

I would like to provide you with advance notice of urgent Metrolink work in Trafford Park this evening.

Village Way will be closed from 6pm to 7pm today from Parkway Circle to Village Circle to allow urgent repairs to the carriageway. The work will take place at this time when there is less traffic travelling towards the city centre.

Please note that there will be a signposted diversion route in place for this work and access to businesses will be maintained. However, if possible, please avoid the area between 6 and 7pm.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the above, or feel you or your business would benefit from a meeting or information event, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team at MetrolinkTPL@tfgm.com or call us on 0161 244 1555 (lines open during office hours).

Kind Regards

Karen Aldcroft,
Public Liaison Officer, Metrolink Projects.
Transport for Greater Manchester,
2, Piccadilly Place, Manchester,M1 3BG.
Information Line: 0161 244 1555  
www.tfgm.com