TRAM: British and Australian (American usually streetcar also trolley) noun [C] An electric vehicle that transports people, usually in cities, and goes along metal tracks in the road. (Taken from the Cambridge English Dictionary)
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STAGECOACH PROMISE METROLINK IMPROVEMENTS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th September 2007
With the Bury line of Manchester Metrolink now having reopened (the reopening occurred on Thursday 13th September) Stagecoach have control of a full operational system for the first time – despite having been in charge of the operational and maintenance side of things for two months. And Andy Morris, Managing Director of Stagecoach’s light rail operations, has promised passengers of the system they will see improvements with the trams.
Mr Morris said: “There just hasn't been enough emphasis on the ambience of the system and the passengers do notice that. They will feel that they are getting a little bit more of a high-class journey. It will drive down graffiti and make the whole experience more comfortable and clean.”
Every tram has had a major interior clean with Mr Morris saying: “Let's just say they were in need of some tender loving care.” This will be followed next year by a major refresh for the whole fleet – despite the fact that the majority of the trams have now undergone their mid-life refurbishments under the previous Serco management. The interiors will be completely gutted, fittings will be replaced and a new livery will be added to the outside. GMPTA – who now have much more control over the system – have yet to decide on the new livery.
Speaking at a special open day held in Sheffield Mr Morris – who also runs the South Yorkshire Supertram – said: “We've got the Rolls-Royce here in Sheffield. In Manchester, you've got the Fiat. But in fairness, that is all the government was prepared to pay for at the time. I promise that we will make Manchester as good as it is possible, given the fleet we are inheriting. I want to make it a totally different experience.”
New ticket machines will be installed soon which will have credit card readers and note changers which work, although conductors will not be introduced because of the narrowness of the trams.
