Sunday services on the West Midlands Metro are to run to a revised schedule from Sunday 12th April as they seek to operate a service which still enables key workers to travel whilst also taking into consideration the reduction in passenger numbers on the network. Elsewhere, Crich have now confirmed they remain closed until at least 21st June and in Manchester NHS workers can travel on Metrolink for free.
Starting off with the new timetable on the West Midlands Metro and as from 12th April every Sunday will see a service frequency of every 15 minutes from start of service to end of service. There is currently no further change for services on any other day of the week.
Speaking about this new change, Carl Williams, Metro Director of Operations, said: “It’s encouraging that so many people are following the government’s advice, but we still need to maintain a regular, robust service for key workers and those who still need to travel for medical reasons, to support a vulnerable person, or for the collection of essential supplies. With this in mind, and in line with current demand, on Sundays we’re running trams every quarter of an hour from the start of services through to the close.”
On Manchester Metrolink all staff employed by the NHS and Social Care and Care Worker organisations will be able to travel for free from Saturday 11th April. The general advice remains that if possible anyone should be walking, cycling or travelling by car but Metrolink is now the latest network to provide this offer for those who have no option but to travel by tram. At a time when we are relying heavily on the NHS and other care givers this is just a small way that transport providers can show their support for them at this difficult time. Full details of who is eligible can be found on the TfGM website.
Having previously announced their closure until 22nd May, the Crich Tramway Village have now confirmed their intention to remain shut until at least 21st June. As a result of this closure further events have been cancelled including the popular Beside the Seaside event which usually takes place over the May Half Term week encompassing the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
Finally, Nottingham Express Transit paused all services at 2000 this evening to allow their workers and those travelling on the network to join in applause for medical personnel, care workers and others involved in the fight against the Coronavirus.