The latest Manchester Metrolink M5000 to be delivered to the city has now started to run in service with 3134 being noted in action on Friday 24th December 2021 meaning that once again it took less than a month from delivery to carry its first fare paying passengers.
3134 had been the last delivery of 2021 from Germany on 4th December and had then gone through the familiar commissioning and driver familiarisation process. Although originally our first report of the tram running was on 1st January 2022 it has since been confirmed that it saw use on Friday 24th December on the East Didsbury to Rochdale route.
The M5000 is now an Alstom product following the 2021 acquisition of Bombardier Transportation.
From photographic evidence I have seen on social media I think that Christmas Eve Friday December 24th was the first day in service for 3134. It was photographed at Victoria on the Rochdale East Didsbury route.
Thanks Steve.