The latest Manchester Metrolink M5000 to enter service is 3136 with the tram being seen carrying passengers for the first time on Saturday 19th March 2022.
3136 was delivered to Queens Road Depot on 12th February 2022 and since then has been undergoing the usual commissioning work and mileage accumulation. With this successfully completed the tram was handed over for service which saw it in action on 19th March – five weeks since its delivery which is longer than a lot of recent deliveries but still fairly average if you go back in time a bit further.
On its first day in action 3136 was allocated to the Manchester Airport service before seeing further use two days later on the East Didsbury to Rochdale circuit.
The last tram to be delivered – 3137 – has yet to enter service having been delivered on 5th March.
3136 departs from Shudehill as it heads to Victoria where it will end its journey.
Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time and this was one such occasion! Barlow Moor Road with 3136 on the way into the city centre and Victoria as 3135 comes the other way bound for Manchester Airport. (Both Photographs by Phil Gay, 19th March 2022)
Another look at 3136 as it stands at Shudehill. (Photograph by Paul Gilbert, 19th March 2022)