Passenger numbers on Manchester Metrolink are continuing to rise again after the relaxation of restrictions to travel earlier this year. Whilst passenger numbers had fallen down to 41% of pre-pandemic levels in December, by the end of January it was back up to 64% with further increase seen since.
These latest figures have been revealed in a report to the Greater Manchester Transport Committee which gives an update on the general performance of the Manchester Metrolink network. They show that back at the start of March 2020 over 800,000 journeys a week were being recorded on the Metrolink network but that at the lowest level this had fallen all the way down to fewer than 5,000. As the pandemic has progressed the numbers have fluctuated but in this period under review there was a further major decrease to 41% of the pre-pandemic level in the last full week before Christmas – a week that is traditionally the busiest of the year. There was a further fall in the week of Christmas (39%) after which there have been increases again leading to 64% in the week of 31st January.
Whereas previously the passenger numbers were dominated by commuters, like many other transport networks Metrolink has seen a change in travel patterns. Now journeys to football matches and large concerts are providing high passenger numbers – on matchdays passenger numbers are reaching 70% to 80% of previous levels.
On the plus side of patronage the Trafford Park Line is now seeing its highest numbers since it opened – the line opened just the day before the first national lockdown was introduced.
Another positive is that staff availability is also improving. From mid-November 2021 until the start of January 2022 there were significant issues with services having to be cancelled due to staff shortages but from the latest period under review (9th January to 5th February 2022) this has been an improving picture. Unfortunately, this has led to issues with the performance of the network which fell to 94.2% of operated mileage in the December/January period – it has since increased again to 98.7% in the latest four week period. However, this remains below the target of 99.4%. the rolling 12 month average is now at 96.3%.
Other key statistics shown in the report include punctuality (up to 90.4% in the latest period – above the target of 90% for the first time since June 2021) and vehicle availability. Unfortunately, during January the number of trams available for service has hit a new low for the past 12 months at 81.6%. A lot of this is caused by vandalism with smashed windows and damage to ceiling panels. There have been supply chain problems as a result of both Covid and Brexit which delay these repairs leading to the continued absence of some trams.
- The Greater Manchester Transport Committee will meet on Friday 11th March and the Metrolink report can be read at https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/documents/s19609/GMTC%20MRN%2020220311%20Metrolink%20Service%20Performance%20Report.pdf