We are now just down to one new M5000 to enter service on Manchester Metrolink with 3130 entering service at the end of September/start of October. This is now the tenth of the new batch of trams being built for additional capacity on the network to enter service.
3130 had been delivered to Manchester on 11th September and after the usual commissioning and mileage accumulation was cleared for service towards the end of that month. Its not known the exact date that it entered passenger service but it was noted running on 1st October when it was allocated to the East Didsbury to Rochdale route.
The entry into service of 3130 leaves just 3131 at the depot being commissioned for service. It only arrived at Queens Road on 25th September so it is likely to be a few weeks before it also enters service.
In a “grab shot” at Hollinwood we see 3130 departing with a Rochdale Town Centre to East Didsbury service. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 1st October 2021)