Metrolink staff and volunteers have undertaken a series of tests to look at match day conditions on the East Manchester Line of Manchester Metrolink which is due to open to the public on 11th February. With the home of Manchester City FC, the Etihad Stadium, being on the line a number of tests have been done to make sure that when the line opens it is able to cope with the extra passengers who may be travelling on match days.
The volunteers were used to simulate various scenarios including pre and post match day environments and incidents such as delays, evacuations and heavy queuing.
Speaking about these tests, Philip Purdy, Metrolink Director at TfGM, said: “The test scenarios were picked to mirror busy match day conditions and specific intensive incidents. We know the Etihad Campus stop is going to be a popular stop, especially during home games, and this was the rationale for the live exercise. The opening of this stop next month will be a key landmark for our East Manchester line which will conclude in Ashton-under-Lyne during 2014. I would also like to add my thanks to football fans for their patience during the two recent successful Saturday afternoon Metrolink tests at the stadium.”