Passenger numbers on the Manchester Metrolink network has continued to increase in recent months and although it has yet to reach anywhere near the levels seen before the pandemic hit in March 2020 there is a positive trend which has been seen not just in leisure travel but also by commuters.
Figures released ahead of the forthcoming Greater Manchester Transport Committee meeting have shown that on average around 70% of pre-pandemic numbers are now being recorded on a regular basis. The first week of 2022 (week commencing 3rd January) saw just 42% recorded and since then there has been a gradual increase in passengers using Metrolink once more. It reached a high in the week commencing 6th June when it was up at 85% (this was in no small part due to Parklife at Heaton Park on 11th/12th June which was estimated as the busiest weekend ever in Metrolink history at 151% of pre-Covid numbers).
Numbers have reduced again since then but are regularly in the 60%-70% mark. The week of 8th August (the last week in the figures) it was at 67% (this was a week of high temperatures with the advice to only travel as necessary which saw a slight decrease in numbers).
Commuter numbers also continue to increase with an estimate that 70% of pre-Covid average commuter patronage has now been reached. This is particularly prevalent on Tuesdays and Thursdays with peak time capacities on the Altrincham, Bury and East Didsbury and Eccles lines under increased pressure.
The report also confirms that the exceptional funding from the Department for Transport awarded during the pandemic will end at the start of October 2022. It has also been indicated by the DfT that no further funding will be available through this stream. Although discussions remain ongoing between the two parties, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have, as a last resort, said they have sufficient reserves available to fund the forecast net deficit for the rest of 2022/23 and its also been recommended that provision is made for this to continue in 2023/24.
A Financial Sustainability Plan is being prepared and this will include a strategy for Metrolink to cover its operating, renewals and financing costs in the medium to long-term, including replenishing the reserves. Whilst not mentioned in the report local media has reported that this could include significant fare increases or a reduction in services.
There will be further engineering works to come later this year following on from the major line renewals on the Eccles line. This will see rail replacement in Piccadilly Gardens for a week during October and at Victoria for one day in November. Work also continues to repair the damaged beam in Whitefield tunnel; the main repairs will take place next spring but in the meantime mitigations are in place to ensure the continued safe operation of trams.