Bikes set to be permanently allowed on Metrolink trams off-peak

Passengers are set to be permitted to take their bikes on board trams in Manchester after a trial earlier this year was deemed a success. But although Transport for Greater Manchester are planning to change the conditions of carriage to allow this to happen, its not expected to be implemented for up to a year to give time for the trams to be adapted.

Although most tramstops have been provided with storage space for bikes, they have been banned from being taken on the trams ever since the network opened in 1992. It has been one of the major causes for complaint over the years and with this in mind, permission was given earlier this year for a trial to see whether it would be feasible to allow bikes on the trams – outside of peak times.

This trial has obviously been considered a success as TfGM are now planning to go-ahead with allowing bikes on trams – at quiet periods only – permanently. This will require all 147 trams to be adapted to allow two bikes to be carried with tramstops (all 99 of them) also to assessed as to what improvements may be needed there.

The recommendations from TfGM are:

• Bikes should only be allowed during quieter periods
• Bikes shouldn’t be allowed when football matches and other special events are taking place across the network
• All 147 trams need to be modified to reconfigure seats and provide 2 spaces for bikes to be carried and restrained (separately from the existing accessible spaces)
• All 99 Metrolink stops, platforms and approaches to be assessed and risk mitigation measures to be installed if necessary (likely to be signage, floor markings, and possibly fencing)
• Bikes to be loaded/unloaded using separate tram doors from the accessible boarding doors
• Clear signage to be provided on the trams and tramstops to communicate what is permitted
• Clear rules and operating procedures need to be communicated and enforced by staff
• The size and weight of bikes will need to be limited
• Bike storage at Metrolink stops to be improved to enable people to leave their bikes at stops
• Policy change proposals to be developed with the operator and equalities representatives to ensure they are practical and suit the Metrolink network passengers

If these recommendations are approved, then TfGM will engage a designer to prepare designs for the modification of the M5000 trams. The features of these designs will likely include modification of some seating, restraining equipment for bikes being carried, signage and other features inside the trams. Early estimates for the work to modify the trams range from £5 million to £8 million.

TfGM will also assess the tramstops to see if they are suitable for bikes and what modifications may be needed. Its likely that not all stops will be deemed suitable – for example Market Street is expected to be too narrow – and this will be communicated as part of the publicity for the new scheme.

It is expected that it will not be until the end of 2025 that the newly modified trams will be ready to operate on any given route. Currently, the availability of the tram fleet is prioritised for installation of several safety-related and renewal projects.