There was a bit of an early Christmas present for Manchester Metrolink as 3138 returned to service on Saturday 20th December 2025, following almost five months out of use. Whilst not as severe as some other tram returnees (we’re talking about you 3027!) its return was nonetheless welcome at a busy time for the tramway.
3138 had been out of service following a derailment at Queens Road Depot on 27th July 2025. It required extensive works attention – including replacement bogies and new cabling – but was able to be taken out for a test run on the Bury line on Friday 19th December 2025.
Following this test run it was seen out in service on Saturday 20th December running on the East Didbsury line. It then saw further use on both Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December as it makes it permanent return to action.
There do remain a number of trams out of service long-term. The longest of all these is 3005 which was last used in February 2020, whilst others include 3010, 3053, 3065, 3091 and 3127.
Meanwhile, in advert removal news, 3101 and 3117 lost their vinyls for Wicked For Good in early December whilst the adverts for Singin’ In The Rain on 3104 have also come off just before Christmas.
3138 at Victoria ahead of departing for Manchester Airport. (Photograph by Reece Hughes, 23rd December 2025)
Another look at 3138 as it pulls away from Barlow Moor Road tramstop bound for the Airport again. (Photograph by Philip Gay, 23rd December 2025)