As well as using the week’s closure of the Metrolink line between Central Park and Rochdale Railway Station to commission and test the new Oldham town centre extension the chance is being taken to undertake some significant testing on the Rochdale town centre extension. 3006, 3047 and 3071 have been in use running singly with 3075 and 3076 operating as a pair. Testing has not yet commenced on the Oldham town centre line although it has been suggested it may start tomorrow.
* You can see more of Harold Hull’s photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tramsntrains
Some interesting photos of the current works at Werneth on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrolink_work/
Looks like the connection to the new alignment is complete and they are already removing track panels from the line towards the tunnel. I particularly like the sharp left turn chevron signs!
Most of the replacement buses that I have noticed passing through Milnrow have been completely empty, and even in the morning peak they have only had 2 or 3 passengers on. Could be something to do with the fact that when intending passengers get to the bus stop they find they have a 1/4 mile walk to the tram stop to buy a ticket then 1/4 mile back to catch the bus. TfGM should have provided ticket issuers on the buses. I hope for their sake that the passengers who have now gone back to commuting by car don’t make the arrangement permanent.
Totally agree with Ken Walker when it’s a bus replacement at Newbold why can’t the buses come into Morrison’s there is a bus stop there instead of having to walk up to near K.F.C. I don’t mind but for someone that’s disabled its to far, so don’t bother going getting a £8 ticket for both of us may as well just catch a bus at Newbold bus stop and go out on the bus.