TRAM: British and Australian (American usually streetcar also trolley) noun [C] An electric vehicle that transports people, usually in cities, and goes along metal tracks in the road. (Taken from the Cambridge English Dictionary)
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This Page was last updated Sunday 15th July 2007
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STAGECOACH METROLINK STARTS TODAY
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 15th July 2007
Today (Sunday 15th July) is the day that a new era commences on Manchester’s Metrolink network as Stagecoach take over the operation of the trams in a ten year contract. Up until now the system has been operated by Serco.
As well as operating the trams Stagecoach have the contract to maintain the system – including the track and the stops. To celebrate the start of Stagecoach services Cllr Roger Jones (Chair of the GMPTA) and Andy Morris (Stagecoach’s Light Rail Managing Director) took a tram ride through the city.
Cllr Jones said: “Metrolink has been a massive success story since it opened fifteen years ago and has got a bright future ahead. We're currently investing over one hundred million pounds on improvements to the network, and have got over half a billion pounds to build three new Metrolink lines. I'd like to thank Serco for running Metrolink services for the past decade and look forward to working with Stagecoach in the future. Stagecoach already operates the Supertram system in Sheffield and has extensive experience of running UK rail services. I'm sure Metrolink will go from strength to strength."
Andy Morris added: “Stagecoach is excited about taking over the operation of Metrolink. The infrastructure improvements taking place this summer will help create a solid foundation to take Metrolink forward, while the new lines will make Metrolink available to even more passengers. We'll be working hard to ensure we deliver both existing passengers and new users an excellent service."
The majority of staff employed by Serco will keep their jobs with Stagecoach just bringing in their own senior management including Mr Morris who will remain in charge of Supertram as well. He also helped to launch Metrolink back in 1992 and worked there for five years and lists the Docklands Light Railway and Midland Metro as some of his previous employers.
Mr Morris confirmed that conductors will not be introduced on the system: “They have helped turn Supertram around, but the Sheffield trams are much wider than Manchester's and there is a lot more room to move about.” He also confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that there would be a major blitz in cleaning the trams and that 12 extra Inspectors would be added to the current team of 36.
