You can’t get away from the C word – Christmas is coming and with more people expected to be travelling on Manchester Metrolink approaching and over the festive period a new safety campaign has been launched by Transport for Greater Manchester. The Mind the Tracks campaign will be promoting a range of safety messages encouraging safe behaviour around the Metrolink network and highlighting unsafe actions which could put you at risk.
The safety of passengers, staff, pedestrians and cyclists around the Metrolink remains a critical priority for TfGM and KeolisAmey Metrolink. The campaign will urge people to take care when boarding or alighting trams and to look both ways when crossing the tracks – using designated crossing points where possible.
TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “Staff and passenger safety is our number one priority, and we do everything we can to make sure trams and tram stops are safe. But trams and stops are only as safe as the way they are used by passengers, and an individual carrying out unsafe or antisocial behaviour on the network could put themselves or others at risk. Distractions can lead to accidents, and people should ensure they are aware of their surroundings when crossing tracks or using the Metrolink network and use designated crossings where possible. We want everyone to have fun and use Metrolink in the lead-up to Christmas, but I’d strongly urge people – particularly those who might be enjoying a few drinks – to take extra care when boarding or departing trams at a time when the Metrolink network will be busier than usual.”
Although Metrolink has a general good safety record, in 2021 there were several serious accidents including falls from platforms and over the festive period sadly two people died. This new campaign seeks to avoid further serious incidents this year.
There will be posters appearing across the network in the lead up to Christmas spreading the #MindTheTracks safety message with bespoke safety announcements being used and activity across their social media accounts.
With alcohol often affecting people’s judgement and co-ordination, specific messaging is being included to make sure anyone enjoying Christmas drinks over the coming weeks take extra care when using the trams.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Metrolink is a great service and, along with the bus network, is perfect for getting around Greater Manchester for a night out. You can travel anywhere on Metrolink all weekend for £6.80 and it’s very encouraging to see ridership virtually back to normal on Saturdays and Sundays and growing strongly on weekdays. Please take care to keep everyone safe this festive period, and also respect our hardworking transport staff. Stay back from platform edges, only cross the tracks at designated points and, as always, treat everyone with mutual respect.”