The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority Transport Network Authority regularly meet to discuss, amongst other things, the operation, performance and development of various forms of transport in the region. This includes looking at how Metrolink is doing and at their latest meeting 7th November they looked at the report for period 5: Monday 18th August-Sunday 14th September. Read on for a summary (the report is 12 pages and I dont intend to cover it all) of what was discussed.
The performance is period 5 was recorded as 99.20%. This was above the Moving Annual Average which is currently at 98.52% and has remained over 98% for the last 15 periods. The majority of miles lost within this period were due to vehicle availability (over 50% of total miles lost were down to this).
Two major incidents caused delays in excess of 30 minutes which impacted on performance. The first of these was on 19th August when support straps securing the overhead line equipment between Langworthy and Broadway failed with the service being suspended at 0830 between Eccles and Broadway, the service resumed at 1105 following repairs. The second incident was on 10th September 2008 when tram 1010 lost traction at Piccadilly Gardens. From 0755 all services operated direct across the City Centre with the Eccles service turning at Millgate sidings. Normal service resumed at 0841.
The report also gives details about the tram fleet and those trams out of service. During the period three trams were out of service - 2001, 1007 and 1016:
* 2001 remains out of service long term. Only one issue now remains and Stagecoach is continuing to seek resolution to bring this vehicle back in service.
* 1007 is undergoing upgrade work as part of Metrolink Special Projects including CCTV installation (although our contributor believes this tram has had this since January 2005) and universal running (i.e. retractable couplers to enable the tram to run to Eccles.
* 1016 sustained extensive damage caused during the derailment. It returned from Railcare on 23rd August and work is progressing for the remaining issues. Stagecoach has estimated its return to service on 6th November 2008.
Mention is also made of the electronic destination displays on 1010. There have been some software issues which have resulted in the displays working sporadically and this is currently being investigated. Passengers have received the trials well.
* To read the full report (which includes details on ticket machines, complaints and escalators as well as lots of graphs) click here.
Thanks to Gordon Ferguson for pointing out this document to me
Source: GMPTA