Metrolink passenger numbers up to 45% of pre-pandemic levels

Following the recent elections, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Transport Committee are to meet for the first time with their new membership and in preparation for this a report into transport performance has been released. Included in this is information on the performance of the Manchester Metrolink network which has confirmed that passenger numbers are now up to approximately 45% of pre-pandemic levels – which although a vast improvement on where it was goes to show how far off normality public transport really is.

With a continued relaxation of Covid related restrictions passenger numbers have been gradually increasing since the middle of March and the week ending 16^th May saw slightly over 300,000 passenger journeys recorded (pre-pandemic it was over 800,000). That week wasn’t the highest seen with week ending 25^th April being slightly higher.

This had led to some issues with social distancing on the busiest routes during the peaks with Transport for Greater Manchester now investigating timetable options which would better cater for demand. However, with all available trams utilised between 0600 and 1900 it is unclear what options could help to solve these crowding issues without leading to issues elsewhere. There have now been 33 consecutive weeks with over 80% compliance with the face coverings ruling.

The report has also confirmed periods of Metrolink engineering works due to take place over the summer. It had previously been mentioned about works at Victoria due to take place and now further works have been announced including some rail replacement at Piccadilly Gardens.

The following works will take place over the summer:

• 24^th June to 31^st July: Phases 1 to 3 of Victoria track renewals with Airport services terminating at an alternative city centre location
• 4^th July: Rail replacement at Westwood on the Oldham and Rochdale line. Replacement buses between Rochdale and Freehold.
• 19^th July to 1^st August: Eccles curves renewals. Replacement buses between Eccles and Piccadilly via MediaCityUK.
• 31^st July to 9^th August: Phase 4 of Victoria track renewals. Bus replacement between Queens Road/Monsall and Victoria/Piccadilly with a change to city centre destinations for East Didsbury and Airport services. Timed to take place at same time at Network Rail Victoria Bridge works.
• 31^st July to 4^th August: Piccadilly Gardens track renewal. Services will terminate at Deansgate-Castlefield and Piccadilly.
• 14^th to 16^th August: Phase 5 part 1 of Victoria track renewals, combined with final part of Network Rail blockade at Victoria. Bus replacement Queens Road/Monsall to Victoria and Piccadilly with East Didsbury and Airport service changing city centre destinations.
• 14^th to 16^th August: Auburn Street and Clayton Hall rail replacement. Will see a replacement bus on the Ashton line and connecting city centre stops.
• 21^st to 23^rd August: Phase 5 part 2 of Victoria track renewals. Bus replacement Queens Road/Monsall to Victoria and Piccadilly with East Didsbury and Airport service changing city centre destinations.

Some of these works will see major disruption for Metrolink services and we’ll bring more on that as its officially announced.