The ongoing challenges of the introduction of the Tram Management System – which is to be introduced across the Metrolink system – have led to Transport for Greater Manchester announcing revised opening dates for the forthcoming extensions of the system. This includes the next two lines to open – to Central Park and Oldham Mumps – which will now open as one phase as opposed to separately sometime in 2012.
Transport for Greater Manchester have suggested that the introduction of the Tram Management System (TMS) has been “very challenging” and because of this the programme of the opening of the new lines has had to be revised.
Philip Purdy, TfGM’s Metrolink Director, said: “The new operating system will provide benefits for existing passengers, not least real-time service information, but it is also a fundamental part of the expansion: ultimately, we simply cannot have one without the other. That is because the existing signalling on the Altrincham and Bury lines would not be able to support the number of tram movements that the expanded network will bring on to the network, particularly at a number of pinch-points on the network. The first stage of introducing the new system is to integrate the new with the old in a way that has the least impact on existing services. We are working closely with the contractor, Thales, on this and the progress made ultimately dictates when lines can open for service. We are currently assessing the implications this has for when we can start running to Central Park and Oldham Mumps, which are the next sections in line to open, but we will open them together, rather than in two phases, next year. An update will be presented to TfGMC in January. We share the frustrations of people waiting patiently to use the services, especially as construction of the new lines is going well. However, this is about the safe operation of a network that will be three times the size it is now, so we cannot cut any corners – we have to be thorough.”
The new system is currently being integrated into sections of the existing lines. This complex operation will involve the new TMS working alongside the existing outdated system. As well as allowing extra trams to operate efficiently at the pinch points of the system the TMS will also allow a more reliable passenger information system to be installed across the network.
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is a very complex, technical issue that officers are working closely with the contractor to address. I fully appreciate that people want to be able to use their new Metrolink services sooner rather than later, but ultimately this is about ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the expanded network. So it cannot be rushed; we have to get it right.”
Exact dates for when the extensions open have not yet been announced with an update due to presented to the TfGM Committee in January next year.