As we all know things don’t always run as they should on UK tramways and the past week has seen several systems experience issues as we see in this round-up article.
Blackpool Tramway
Friday 13th March – high winds caused damage to the overhead line which led to the complete suspension of the tramway from mid-morning to late-afternoon. After a full inspection of the overhead services started to resume but took a while to get back up and running. During the closure passengers were advised to use Blackpool Transport buses nos. 1 and 11.
London Trams
Friday 13th March – overhead line problems at Lloyd Park. This meant no trams could run Sandilands-New Addington whilst the problem was repaired.
Manchester Metrolink
Monday 9th March – overhead line fault in Manchester City Centre. No trams were running on the Trafford Park line, Eccles line and between Bury and Altrincham. Revised services ran Rochdale to Monsall, Altrincham to Old Trafford, East Didsbury to Firswood, Manchester Airport to Firswood, Ashton to Piccadilly, Bury to Piccadilly. Tickets were accepted on Bee Network buses.
Wednesday 11th March – Cause given as a failed tram although later photos appeared to show attention to the overhead at Anchorage. Trams were suspended on the Eccles line from 0610 with services from Ashton terminating at Deansgate-Castlefield. The disruption remained in place for seven hours, with services resuming from 1400.
West Midlands Metro
Wednesday 11th March – a tram and car collided at Priestfield leading to no trams running from Priestfield to either Wolverhampton St George’s or Wolverhampton Station between 0850 and 0940. Ticket acceptance was in place on local National Express West Midlands bus services. There were no injuries reported as a result of the collision.
Wednesday 11th March – a points failure at Wolverhampton St George’s meant trams were only able to operate to Wolverhampton Station from 1646 to 1842.