Over the past couple of years we’ve run numerous stories on low passenger numbers, reduced services and the like as the restrictions of the pandemic hit home so it makes a very nice change to report that Sunday 3rd April was the busiest ever Sunday on Manchester Metrolink! Over 114,000 passenger journeys were recorded with numbers driven by the Manchester Marathon – rumours that Heaton Park Tramway’s 40th(+2) birthday celebrations which took place on the same day helped to push numbers to the record level cannot be confirmed though!
The over 114,000 figure is more than 11,000 higher than the previous busiest Sunday – which was for the Manchester Marathon in 2021. The busiest period was between 0700 and 0800 (before the race) and 1300 and 1500 (after the race). Old Trafford and Trafford Bar were the busiest stops (located as they are at the start and end point of the race) with Deansgate-Castlefield (at the five mile stage) also being busy.
Daniel Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “We are extremely proud to have supported the marathon once again, this time in record numbers. Events like these are key to supporting Greater Manchester’s, and our public services’, economic recovery from the pandemic. The passenger numbers seen on Sunday speak for themselves as to just how essential Metrolink services are, not just for the people living within GM, but those visiting too. The service delivered this weekend is a testament to everyone behind the scenes and on the front line of our public transport network, as well as the organisers and partners, who worked together to deliver another fantastic event.”
TfGM worked closely with the run organisers to influence travel behaviour and to put comprehensive plans in place to ensure there were enough trams to meet demand. Staff were posted at key Metrolink stops to help people find their way on the day too.