Timetable changes are being introduced on parts of Manchester's Metrolink network from next Monday, 12th February in an effort to improve the network's reliability while a damaged rail near Victoria tram stop is being repaired.
So that there is a more reliable and punctual service for Metrolink services through the city centre, there will be a change to the number of trams passing through Market Street and Shudehill. However, trams will continue to stop at the Exchange Square tram stop.
Trams on the East Didsbury to Shaw and Crompton service will run every 12 minutes between East Didsbury and Exchange Square only at peak times (7 am to 8 pm) instead of running to Shaw and Crompton.
Trams between East Didsbury and Rochdale Town Centre will also run every 12 minutes via Market Street and Shudehill, with more double trams through to Rochdale.
There have been no trams since 17th January between Exchange Square and Victoria after a track defect was discovered in one of the specialised crossings. That required the crossing to be removed and is undergoing repairs off-site at the manufacturer's premises.
Because the crossing has been removed, services cannot operate between Exchange Square and Victoria tram stops. However, the upcoming timetable change will improve the service for passengers, and they will remain in place until further notice. Before making a journey, passengers should check the latest tram departure times as well as for the latest information on the Transport for Great Manchester (TfGM) travel alerts hub.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM's Head of Metrolink, said: “I want to give a huge thank you to passengers for their patience while these important repairs are taking place.
“Since the initial discovery of the damaged rail, ensuring a safe and reliable service has been our number one priority. However, we accept that there have been punctuality issues in recent weeks.
“By introducing this new service pattern and reopening Exchange Square, we are hoping to provide a more reliable service on the impacted lines, and more doubles through Oldham and Rochdale for our passengers.”
Absolutely disgraceful how long these repairs are taking. Any other Western European country (and probably most East European ones) would get this sort of thing fixed in just a week or so. The disruption to Oldham and Rochdale services is severe. I was at Victoria station today, and in my 20 minutes or so on the platform, witnessed six Bury services arrive before the first one to Rochdale showed up.