SF07
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Post by SF07 on Jul 31, 2011 11:52:20 GMT 1
Thought it'd be better to have one thread for all news about the Metrolink with its new lines construction rather than individual threads for each line. First of all, there is news from the Manchester Evening News saying that Stagecoach are to pull out of running the Metrolink network with the French state-owned company RATP being lined up as a replacement. An announcement is expected to be made at the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday. Stagecoach took Metrolink from Serco in 2007 and still have 6 years left on their contract and there is no reason given yet as to why Stagecoach are pulling out. menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1454182_stagecoach-set-to-handover-metrolink-to-french-firmmanchestertransport.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/stagecoach-reportedly-to-hand-over-metrolink-operation-to-french-firm-ratp/As for the new lines, there has been plently of speculation that the East Manchester line to Velopark will open for service in time for the new football season. Night testing has been taking place this month on the line and Merrill Street (where the trams will run along at street level) set to re-open to traffic this week, after two years of being closed to traffic. Also, Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens may be closed on the weekend of 13th and 14th August, which may lead to the opening on 15th August, the date of Man City's first match of the season. The Altrincham line was closed during weekends in June in anticaption of the South Manchester line opening towards Chorlton. However, they are just rumours and the East Manchester line may not open just yet, as the new rumour on the Skyscraper forum is that a source at Metrolink has said that they are keen for the line to Oldham Mumps to open first ahead of the East Manchester line to Velopark and Droylsden, which would mean waiting until late autumn 2011 or early 2012.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Aug 13, 2011 9:36:51 GMT 1
Stagecoach have indeed sold the operation of Metrolink to RATP-Dev, I think from August 2nd. I am planning to ride the Chorlton/ St Werburghs Road extension this afternoon.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Aug 13, 2011 14:25:11 GMT 1
Stagecoach have indeed sold the operation of Metrolink to RATP-Dev, I think from August 2nd. I am planning to ride the Chorlton/ St Werburghs Road extension this afternoon. Yes, it took place at the start of the month. RATP-Dev might need to improve their spelling as the name of the document of the announcement of the takeover was entitled 'Metolink' www.ratpdev.com/_news/CP/2011/Metolink.pdfNot tried the South Manchester line yet, but the reports I've read about the line have been very positive, so it should be good. East Manchester line is shaping up, going off pictures from the SkyScraperCity forum, with the stations between Piccadilly and Velopark (Asda) taking shape and the over-head power cables starting to appear on Ashton New Road around Clayton. East Manchester line may open to Velopark before end of the year with the route to Droylsden still ear-marked for opening next summer. Also, anyone with a smartphone can now download a Metrolink app, which available for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android and Nokia from the OVI store. Although, may need some update, the OVI version didn't have the South Manchester line open yet, even though it's been open for a month now. www.tfgm.com/2009_news.cfm?news_id=9007306?submenuheader=3One final thing, TfGM have released a video of what the second city crossing line would look like.
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Post by mollman on Aug 14, 2011 17:25:20 GMT 1
Is there a hidden message: brand new trams but the bus looked like an Olympian in Stagecoach's 1990s livery
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A1YBG
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Post by A1YBG on Aug 14, 2011 17:56:43 GMT 1
Is there a hidden message: brand new trams but the bus looked like an Olympian in Stagecoach's 1990s livery ....and it appears to be a left hand drive as well as a right!
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Aug 14, 2011 19:24:30 GMT 1
Is there a hidden message: brand new trams but the bus looked like an Olympian in Stagecoach's 1990s livery ....and it appears to be a left hand drive as well as a right! Good spot with the left-hand drive bus. Did wonder why an old Olympian in the old Stagecoach livery was chosen. Obviously couldn't get any Enviro 400s, which would be more appropriate. But I guess it's only a representation rather than the real thing. Unless Stagecoach have been paying attention to First's local identity proposal and decide to go back to the old days in 2016 (when the new tram line should open).
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Aug 14, 2011 22:11:42 GMT 1
It is obviously only a computer generation... the makers probably only have photos of the old buses on file.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Aug 17, 2011 15:42:32 GMT 1
Good news if you're in the Manchester area on Sunday, as Metrolink are offering free travel this Sunday (21 August) between 10am and 6pm with a voucher, which will be available from the TfGM website on Friday to print out or to cut out of the Manchester Evening News on Friday (paper is already free in the city centre on Thursdays and Fridays). The voucher allows upto two adults and upto three accompanied children to travel on all open lines. There has to be at least one adult per voucher and children under 16 can't use it without an adult. The voucher can be used by one or two adults without children. www.tfgm.com/2009_news.cfm?news_id=9007574?submenuheader=3Also, a group of people have got in touch with TfGM with regards to the second city crossing line, as they're unhappy with the current proposal of building a bigger St Peter's Square stop and routing the new line via Cross Street. The group would prefer to re-surrect the idea of routing the trams along Deansgate, as this would have a bigger catchment area of places to serve. They say that Cross Street is too close to the existing line through Mosley Street and Market Street, whereas a Deansgate line would help serve the western parts of the city better, such as Spinningfields, Salford Central and Deansgate (could also include Museum of Science and Industry and Granada TV). They also feel that the original Deansgate proposal was wrong, which had the trams coming upto Deansgate along the A56 Chester Road as opposed to the existing line from Cornbrook. GMPTE (at the time in 2009) argued that the gradient from Castlefield viaduct down to Deansgate would be too steep for Metrolink. www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/Metrolink-Second-Crossing-The-Alternative-Down-DeansgateTheir article also mentions future proposed extension such as Wigan via Atherton, Bolton, Marple and Rawtenstall. As for the idea of running trams along Deansgate, I agree that it would help serve more of the city but the main problem is traffic as Deansgate can be a busy road, particularly at rush hour, which wouldn't help the reliability. Plus, it is possible the trams would have to re-route to Cross Street at some point anyway in order to gain access into Victoria station to continue towards Bury or Oldham/Rochdale.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Sept 15, 2011 20:01:18 GMT 1
Metrolink-related news from Oldham. With the new temporary line to Oldham Mumps scheduled to open in 6 months time and the new town centre line not scheduled to open until spring 2014, Oldham Council have said that they are looking to get a shuttle bus service in place to link the town centre with the Metrolink stop at Oldham Mumps (located at the old train station). Councillor Dave Hibbert has said that the walk from Mumps to town centre (which is up-hill and having to cross over/under Oldham Way) is 'difficult, intimidating and inconvenient for some'. So, it may be possible that Oldham will become the fourth location in Greater Manchester to gain a Metroshuttle-style service (following Manchester, Stockport and Bolton). www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/60901/bus-shuttle-for-tram-users
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Oct 15, 2011 17:22:26 GMT 1
Some news filtering out in the last couple of weeks or so regarding the Metrolink. First of all, it was announced last week that TfGM and Metrolink are planning to 'retire' the older tram vehicles on the network, which will mean goodbye to some of the T68's, which have graced the lines since the opening in 1992 and did have a original design life of 30 years, and hello to 12 more M5000's, which are the newer yellow and grey vehicles that have been used for the last couple of years. The M5000's are 10 tonnes lighter than the T68's, which will mean less wear and tear on the rails and will also be four times as reliable too. Many of the breakdowns and line disruptions (particularly in the summer) have been caused by the T68's. www.tfgm.com/tfgm_news.cfm?news_id=9007865?submenuheader=3Metrolink has also won a couple of awards, with the new South Manchester line to St Werburgh's Road awarded Best Project at the Light Rail Awards, while Metrolink also won Most Significant Safety Initiative. www.tfgm.com/tfgm_news.cfm?news_id=9007876?submenuheader=3As for the new lines, work has now started on the Manchester Airport line, which will open in 2016, while the East Manchester and Oldham & Rochdale lines are starting to take shape, with stations looking presentable and the overhead power lines also being installed along parts of the route. Also, trams have been seen travelling along the line towards Oldham, albeit being pulled by a loco. One other change is the tram stop at the City of Manchester Stadium is being re-named from Eastlands City Stadium to Etihad Campus. East Manchester line to Droylsden is still scheduled to open in summer 2012, while Oldham & Rochdale line is scheduled to open to Central Park in the winter and to Oldham Mumps in the spring 2012 (although still suggestions that East Manchester line may open earlier and the two openings on the O&R line may be merged and open early next year).
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Dec 9, 2011 21:36:32 GMT 1
TfGM have announced that the Oldham & Rochdale line will open all the way to Oldham Mumps next year rather than opening in two parts (Central Park then Mumps). Only problem is they don't know when next year yet. A TfGMC meeting is scheduled in January, where they'll update the situation. The main factors that's preventing the opening of the new line is the implementation of the new Tram Management System (TMS), which would allow more trams on the Metrolink network, improve consistency and also allow real-time information for passengers at stops. Once TMS is up and working on the existing lines then it shouldn't be too long til Oldham & Rochdale line is opened with the East Manchester line to Droylsden to follow shortly afterwards (still planned for summer 2012). www.tfgm.com/tfgm_news.cfm?news_id=9008248?submenuheader=3
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Dec 17, 2011 22:49:40 GMT 1
Just east of East Didsbury it is already possible to see where the Metrolink station will be. This will be the extension of the recently-opened St Werburghs Road section. There were plans to extend it onto Stockport but this has been kicked into the long grass.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Dec 18, 2011 12:58:44 GMT 1
Just east of East Didsbury it is already possible to see where the Metrolink station will be. This will be the extension of the recently-opened St Werburghs Road section. There were plans to extend it onto Stockport but this has been kicked into the long grass. Yes, saw the work at East Didsbury last weekend, some tracks lying around and the platform base seems to be in place. There is a bit of a gap left for possible extension to Stockport. Although, I think Metrolink/TfGM are concentrating on getting the line to the Trafford Centre, Barton Stadium (Salford City Reds RL new ground) and Port Salford.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Mar 23, 2012 20:50:26 GMT 1
Problems with Metrolink trying to introduce the Tram Management System (TMS) to the Metrolink network means that the opening of the Oldham-Rochdale and East Manchester lines will be delayed further. Trams had been expected to be running to Central Park and Oldham Mumps around about now (delayed from last autumn) while trams to Droylsden were planned for this summer. But Metrolink bosses have admitted that the Oldham-Rochdale line opening may be delayed by another 6 months, while the East Manchester line could be delayed by 3 months, meaning it'll be at least this autumn before trams start on the new lines. menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1488740_computer-glitch-delays-opening-of-metrolink-extension-to-oldham---again
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on May 24, 2012 22:21:48 GMT 1
Metrolink to Oldham Mumps may be just weeks away now. Trams have been undergoing route testing over the last couple of weeks along the former Oldham Loop line between Monsall and Oldham Mumps and has been reported on the Skyscraper forum that the line may open after the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (4th, 7th, 9th and 11th June been mentioned). Metrolink ticket machines now display a message when purchasing a ticket that the line will open 'soon'. Manchester Evening News must have been reading the forums too as they are now reporting in the paper/on the website that trams are weeks away. Official line from TfGM is that no decision has been made yet. Trams to Shaw and Rochdale will be a bit longer with autumn looking likely, as will trams to Droylsden although trams may start running to the Etihad Stadium at the start of the new football season (probably no chance for rugby league fans going to the Magic Weekend). menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1527218_trams-set-to-be-running-on-oldham-metrolink-line-in-june
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Jun 8, 2012 10:35:23 GMT 1
Big week next week for Metrolink. First of all, the Oldham line will finally open Tram services are scheduled to start from Victoria at 5.24am on Wednesday (13 June), with the service running between Oldham Mumps temporary and St Werburgh's Road via Victoria and Chorlton. The service will run every 12 minutes but will increase to every 6 mins at a later date. www.tfgm.com/tfgm_news.cfm?news_id=9009280?submenuheader=4Also happening next week is tram testing on the East Manchester line to Droylsden. Testing always has taken place on the line from Piccadilly to Velopark last year but now will get the chance to test the line along Ashton New Road. However, the testing will take place overnight from 11pm to 5am, so only determined souls will be able to see it.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jun 9, 2012 19:31:45 GMT 1
Yes, the Oldham opening was highlighted in the Manchester Evening News yesterday. As daylight hours peak in June, it will be possible for people to see part of the test run along Ashton New Road by daylight!
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Jun 9, 2012 20:06:01 GMT 1
I'm pretty sure that at least one person will have a nosey at the testing and capture it for Flickr, even at those times.
But a busy 6 months ahead for Metrolink, with Oldham line opening on Wednesday, then trams to Shaw, Rochdale and Droylsden hopefully before Christmas.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jun 10, 2012 22:24:23 GMT 1
I'm pretty sure that at least one person will have a nosey at the testing and capture it for Flickr, even at those times. But a busy 6 months ahead for Metrolink, with Oldham line opening on Wednesday, then trams to Shaw, Rochdale and Droylsden hopefully before Christmas. Indeed, I also hope the Rochdale extension at least opens before Christmas. I already have Saturday December 29th pencilled in as the date to ride Metrolink to Oldham and Rochdale!
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Jun 11, 2012 10:00:44 GMT 1
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Jul 30, 2012 20:28:04 GMT 1
Sort of good news for anyone arriving by Metrolink into Oldham but struggles to make their way up the hill into the town centre. Oldham now has its very own Metroshuttle service, providing a free link between the tram stop and the bus station, whilst also serving the sports centre and shopping centre on the way back to the tram stop. However, the service only runs between 9.40am and 3.40pm daily and runs every 30 mins (only one vehicle used). The service is provided by Manchester Community Transport and may gain hybrid vehicles in September following the withdrawal of the 9 SalfordQuays Link service, which is being replaced by Stagecoach's extended 50 service. www.oldham.gov.uk/press/article/198/metro_shuttle-bus_launches_in_town_centrewww.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news/71919/all-aboard-the-metro-shuttle-bus
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Oct 22, 2012 19:10:14 GMT 1
Some progress on the new lines in recent weeks. Route testing has been taking place during the early hours recently on the East Manchester line to Droylsden and on the Oldham-Rochdale line between Oldham Mumps and Shaw. Trams have also been sent down to East Didsbury too, with progress on that line seemingly going faster than expected. Trams to Droylsden and Shaw/Rochdale are expected to start running in service early next year (end of this year will probably be too soon) while South Manchester line to East Didsbury is expected to be next summer but could be earlier depending on completion of work and the TMS system. Here's a pic of tram testing across the junction at Mumps (from TfGM): www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=70www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=80
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Dec 7, 2012 21:34:44 GMT 1
TfGM have confirmed that the East Manchester line to Drolysden will open on 11 February 2013. The service will take 20 mins between Droylsden and Piccadilly and then continue on to Bury. Local residents and schoolchildren will be given the chance to use the service for free during a three day period before the official launch. Also, there have been reports and photos of daytime tram tests between Oldham Mumps and Shaw. There have been suggestion that a service to/from Shaw would open before Christmas but probably will be early next week, as will the Shaw-Rochdale section. www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=110
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Dec 9, 2012 0:03:51 GMT 1
Thanks for the news about the Droylsden section SF07. Subject to the Rochdale section opening by then, I plan to ride both new extensions towards the end of February. Indeed, I can do a home - Manchester - Rochdale - Bury - Droylsden - home round trip!
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Dec 9, 2012 16:08:51 GMT 1
Well, there is a suggestion that Shaw will open soon, as it has been claimed that they're running the ghost timetable on the Mumps-Derker-Shaw section (saw 4 trams running across Mumps junction yesterday afternoon) and that trams to Rochdale will start early next year, although it'll possibly be after the Droylsden opening.
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