Having been out of service for around three months (which is nothing compared to how long some other M5000s have spent out of use in the past, as well as some ongoing absentees) 3079 has been noted back in action on the Manchester Metrolink network.
It is believed that 3079 had been out of service since at least 7th February 2026 when it was first seen powered down on road 21 in Trafford Depot. It remained in the same position until around 10th March 2026. Following that it was moved and was later seen on the northern headshunt visible from the Altrincham line without a pantograph.
The tram – still in its special Bee Network livery – was noted back in service on Monday 11th May 2026 with it working services on the Airport line.
3079 runs along Hardy Lane between Barlow Moor Road and Sale Water Park with a service bound for Manchester Airport. (Photograph by Philip Gay, 11th May 2026)
The tram hasn’t yet received the updated route maps which show the current services being operated.
The interior of 3079 as it waits at Victoria. (Photographs x2 by Reece Hughes, 11th May 2026)