We return to Manchester for today’s edition of “Trams &” as we picture a Metrolink tram passing a Metrolink replacement bus back in March 2020.
This photo was taken outside Victoria Station on Corporation Street (the National Football Museum forms the backdrop) and shows Coastliner Buses Enviro 400 registration number LJ09 CAA parked whilst being used for a Metrolink replacement service to Piccadilly Station. These were operating at this time because of trackworks in Piccadilly Gardens which prevented and trams from operating via the original city crossing.
The bus is just about to be passed by a double M5000 formed of 3022+3017. The lead tram is in the special Spirit of Manchester livery applied following the Manchester Arena bombings. The two trams are operating a service from Altrincham to Bury which has been diverted via 2CC.
The date of the image is 20th March 2022.
Photograph by Gareth Prior, 20th March 2022