We’re going black and white for today’s Picture in Time image as we back to year one of Manchester Metrolink – 1992.
This photo shows one of the original 26 T68 trams built by Firema at various plants in Italy. The tram in question is 1019 which was one of those built at Casertane Works arriving in Manchester on 6th March 1992. By the date of the photo – 8th October 1992 – 1019 had been in service for almost six months (that anniversary would follow on the 27th of the month) and is seen here just crossing the top of Piccadilly Gardens with a service between Bury and Piccadilly. As with much of Manchester City Centre, Piccadilly Gardens is a much-changed location today with the old bus station seen in the background. As for 1019 it was withdrawn from service on 27th September 2012 and went for scrap on 8th August 2014.
Photograph by Tony Sullivan
What you see in the background is not the bus station. There is a bus stop there that is used by buses to Ashton-under-Lyne, etc. The main bust station was on an island in Parker Street, pretty much as it is today. The main difference being that in 1992 the accomodation was covered all the way from Mosley Street, just in front of the tram in the picture, right through to Portland Street.