As it is now only three weeks to Christmas (in fact it is exactly three weeks today until the big day!) the decorations are starting to go up across the country and Manchester Metrolink is no different with large window vinyls being added to a number of the M5000s. The vinyls cover all windows along the side of the trams currently decorated and state that “Nowhere does Christmas like Greater Manchester” with Father Christmas also putting in appearance. At least eight trams (3001, 3005, 3042, 3045, 3078, 3088, 3095 and 3105) have been fitted with the vinyls so far.
3095 pulls away the stop at Cornbrook with its new Christmas adverts in situ.
A close-up of 3005+3045 at Cornbrook showing the new Christmas adverts, (Both Photographs by Steve Kemp)
Appaulling
I agree; terrible. When will the powers that be realize that this wanton covering up of the windows does nothing for the poor passengers, by obstructing the view. Customers pay to travel but also to see where they are going. This happened in Blackpool over many years and I couldn’t understand why it endured for so long. People complained, but it all fell on deaf ears, as is usual where money (increased revenue) is involved.
Thankfully these ugly adornments will, hopefully, be removed in a few weeks.
Why not apply the vinyls to the body side panels? After all the Metrolink livery is thoroughly uninspiring. Silver with yellow spots: someone was having a laugh when that was adopted.
I agree totally with your correspondents above. These dreadful window-blockers have also appeared in Nottingham, (where just three weeks ago I travelled on one of the new lines much of which was hidden from my sight by covered-up windows.) And by the way, buses seem to be exempt from this nonsense; why just the poor old trams????As Bob Hayes says, put them on the panels for goodness’ sake if you have to have them at all!! It’s all a lot of stupidity.
Dreadful! We had to suffer this on allover advert buses in Leeds but now the windows are left free.What a way to treat your paying customers! Contravision is difficult to see through and creates a gloomy interior. Many visitors to Manchester are there to appreciate view and often unsure of where they are going, this won`t help! Stick the ads on the body panels.
So people travelling on the first service to and from Exchange Square won’t have seen much of the journey then!
You can complain all you like, it won’t change. You are paying to be transported from A to B. there is no legal obligation to provide windows! Unless it is an advertised scenic ride. Yes contra vision is awful but its not going away. Many buses are plastered in it and even one of Blackpool’s Flkexity Trams has it.
For the record I agree that the windows should be kept clear, I’m just stating a point.