Manchester Metrolink M5000 3033 has returned to service after almost a year on the sidelines. The tram was first seen back in service on Friday 22nd November with it allocated to the East Didsbury to Shaw and Crompton and Rochdale Town Centre lines.
3033 was last used in service around Christmas 2023 when it failed but recently it was moved into the workshops at Trafford Depot where it received attention to bring it back into use. This work saw it back in service by 22nd November, boosting the fleet by an additional tram as the network gets ready for the busy lead up to Christmas.
3005 and 3027 remain out of service long-term – February 2020 and May 2019 respectively. They have been joined more recently on the casualty list by 3053 which was the tram which sustained significant damage following a collision with a bus at Piccadilly Gardens on 18th October.
Other Metrolink news concerns 3075 which is now back in fleet livery following the expiration of the advertising contract for Cano Water. The vinyls were removed earlier in November.
This was the first reported day we have of 3033 being back in service when its seen dashing through a light dusting of snow close to Shaw and Crompton. (Photograph by Reece Hughes, 22nd November 2024)