Yes it does but actually only the first 12 were ordered with the old signalling kit. They were made up of 8 for Alt-Bury capacity enhancement and 4 for MediaCity UK. The rest were ordered with TMS only. Four have subsequently been retrofitted with the old kit. Apparently contrary to what I posted last week 3017 has been fitted with the equipment from one of the M5000s fitted earlier which is currently out of service awaiting warranty repairs. There are still only 16 M5000s in use.
The trams used on the SML come from the Phase 3A batch which were ordered as TMS only but I believe were fortunately fitted with the cabling for both systems. It was always intended that SML and subsequent lines would open after Queens Road to Old Trafford had been converted to TMS. The problems have meant that this was not possible hence the retrofitting of 4 M5000s.

Yeah that's how I meant. The 12 ordered were for the Alt-Bury and shorter MCUK route. I was just thinking that they had done the 17th M5000 to get the right vehicle numbers because otherwise it means they have 1 less than they 'should' have based on those 12 ordered plus the SML and extra for MC.

Which M5000 is out then? Do you know Freel or do I have to go tram ticking tomorrow by the delta to find out which is missing? :lol::lol:

Yeah that's how I meant. The 12 ordered were for the Alt-Bury and shorter MCUK route. I was just thinking that they had done the 17th M5000 to get the right vehicle numbers because otherwise it means they have 1 less than they 'should' have based on those 12 ordered plus the SML and extra for MC.

Which M5000 is out then? Do you know Freel or do I have to go tram ticking tomorrow by the delta to find out which is missing? :lol::lol:

3012

Yes, according to British Trams Online 3012 is currently at Old Trafford so would make sense that is the missing one.

Never seen this happen at Piccadilly Station before.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/8753/manchester28thnovember2.jpg

Though even with the doors closed and the sign illuminated people still walked through.

Is this the doors to the tram station? I have seen this a few times but usually the trams are still running and it's some error that has triggered it.

Yes they are the doors just next to the escaltors down from the concourse of Piccadilly, the sign was flashing that and the doors closed, still people decided to walk through though. I did not see if the entrance at the Fairfield Street entrance of Piccadilly was open though.

Yes they are the doors just next to the escaltors down from the concourse of Piccadilly, the sign was flashing that and the doors closed, still people decided to walk through though. I did not see if the entrance at the Fairfield Street entrance of Piccadilly was open though.

Its activated by the Fire Alarm automatically. There is another one at the top of Platform A escalator. A false alarm may have caused it although from memory I think Network Rail test the main line station fire alarm on Mondays. Metrolink used to test theirs on Sunday night after service.

Its activated by the Fire Alarm automatically. There is another one at the top of Platform A escalator. A false alarm may have caused it although from memory I think Network Rail test the main line station fire alarm on Mondays. Metrolink used to test theirs on Sunday night after service.

We (NR) test ours on a Monday. Someone usually puts the doors back to normal.

I have heard on a couple of days in the city centre, tannoy messages saying "Customer service announcement for passengers at St Peter's Sq. The next Tram for Bury will arrrive in 4 minutes" etc. On Saturday at Piccadilly Gardens, "the next tram to arrive at Piccadilly Gardens will be for Media City. Football fans should board this tram and get off at Exchange Quay for the North side of the Stadium."

Looks like RATP / Metrolink are taking a more proactive customer service stance in the City centre at least.

All we need now is it extending to the suburbs, as last Saturday evening around 7.30pm, waited at Timperley inbound but had to wait for a tram to go from Timperley to Altrincham and back, then the next one heading out of town was not passed til Dane Road when a full and standing double went south. No announcements heard, and the app on my phone was quoting a normal service every 6mins on the Altrincham line - sure it is only every 12 mins at that time on a Evening.

I have heard on a couple of days in the city centre, tannoy messages saying "Customer service announcement for passengers at St Peter's Sq. The next Tram for Bury will arrrive in 4 minutes" etc. On Saturday at Piccadilly Gardens, "the next tram to arrive at Piccadilly Gardens will be for Media City. Football fans should board this tram and get off at Exchange Quay for the North side of the Stadium."

Looks like RATP / Metrolink are taking a more proactive customer service stance in the City centre at least.

All we need now is it extending to the suburbs, as last Saturday evening around 7.30pm, waited at Timperley inbound but had to wait for a tram to go from Timperley to Altrincham and back, then the next one heading out of town was not passed til Dane Road when a full and standing double went south. No announcements heard, and the app on my phone was quoting a normal service every 6mins on the Altrincham line - sure it is only every 12 mins at that time on a Evening.


They have done some of those announcement at Sale Station at around 8am. But not every day. They also say whether the next tram is a double or not, which isn't very frequently.

Similarly at Shudehill in the evening rush hour.

Some new over enthusiastic employee maybe :)

Minor disruption for Metrolink tomorrow in relation to the industrial action. Services should run to a normal timetable but may be delays in city centre with the march taking place. Staff will try to halt the march at Princess Street/Mosley Street junction to allow trams through.

http://www.tfgm.com/tfgm_news.cfm?news_id=9008186?submenuheader=3

Major RTA at Shudehill, southbound from Bury canned.

RTA involving a tram LNG? Metrolink site currently reporting no service between Victoria and Piccadilly. Hope it isn't anything too serious!

RTA involving a tram LNG? Metrolink site currently reporting no service between Victoria and Piccadilly. Hope it isn't anything too serious!

Dunno, walked through the Arndale to get around it due to weather.

Chaos at Picc G in rain though.

Info now appearing on the MEN website - appears that no tram was involved in the accident!

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1466369_metrolink-trams-suspended-between-piccadilly-and-victoria-after-road-smash-at-shudehill-

Hi

I notice in the MEN website, lucky no trams were involved in
the smash.

Metrolink trams suspended between Piccadilly and Victoria after road smash at Shudehill

Trams through Manchester city centre have been suspended after a car smash at Shudehill.

Services from Bury are stopping at Victoria and trams to Altrincham and Eccles are operating from Piccadilly because of the disruption.

It is understood that a car collided with a post at Shudehill at around 2.15pm today – at a junction where the road meets the tram tracks.

A spokesman for Metrolink said officials and the emergency services were currently at the scene assessing the damage – but no trams were involved in
the smash.

It is not yet known when services across the city will resume.


15.29 No service between Victoria and Piccadilly stations.

Metrolink Services
Due to a serious road traffic accident in the Shudehill area, there are no services from Piccadilly, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Shudehill and Victoria stations.

A Metrolink replacement bus service is in operation between Victoria station (Corporation Street) and Piccadilly station (Fairfield Street).

Services are as follows :-

Bury to and from Victoria

Altrincham, Eccles/MediaCity and St Werburghs Road to and from Piccadilly.

Metrolink apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.




But they are running service to Piccadilly as Chorlton line, Eccles line and Altrincham line are all running to Piccadilly.

Wonder how Picc will cope with two extra services diverted there? :bash:

Shudehill is a nightmare for traffic. Was on an inbound tram last week which was stuck there for ten minutes because drivers were just completely ignoring the traffic lights!

Metrolink Closed Following Fatal Collison

Tragedy at Shude Hill causes closure

A MAN has died after a car collision in Manchester city centre.

Just after 2pm on Tuesday 29 November 2011, police were called to Shudehill metrolink following reports a car had collided with a tram stanchion, forcing the car onto a nearby tramline.

On arrival, police discovered a man and woman had received serious injury.

The man was taken to hospital where he sadly died.

The woman is in a serious condition.

The area around Shudehill metrolink station is closed and motorists can expect delays.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/250/Metrolink-Closed-Following-Fatal-Collison

I have heard on a couple of days in the city centre, tannoy messages saying "Customer service announcement for passengers at St Peter's Sq. The next Tram for Bury will arrrive in 4 minutes" etc. On Saturday at Piccadilly Gardens, "the next tram to arrive at Piccadilly Gardens will be for Media City. Football fans should board this tram and get off at Exchange Quay for the North side of the Stadium."

Looks like RATP / Metrolink are taking a more proactive customer service stance in the City centre at least.

All we need now is it extending to the suburbs, as last Saturday evening around 7.30pm, waited at Timperley inbound but had to wait for a tram to go from Timperley to Altrincham and back, then the next one heading out of town was not passed til Dane Road when a full and standing double went south. No announcements heard, and the app on my phone was quoting a normal service every 6mins on the Altrincham line - sure it is only every 12 mins at that time on a Evening.

If you are left waitng with no announcement, do like I do call cutomer services and ask for a PA to be made giving customers further inforamation re any delays etc, they have always obliged.

Good advice there.

SML PIDs saying service to Victoria, really think they should turn that off when the service is not to Victoria. Wonder if the tram blinds will say the correct destination?

Unless of course normal service has indeed been restored in which case I'm rambling again.

Edit: the trams do indeed say Piccadilly. So it's a step up from last time! Just need to sort out the PIDs.

Wonder how Picc will cope with two extra services diverted there? :bash:


Only one extra service:
The Alt-Bury direct takes the timing of the shortened Bury-Picc
Then the SML

If you are left waitng with no announcement, do like I do call cutomer services and ask for a PA to be made giving customers further inforamation re any delays etc, they have always obliged.

You should have to phone up and ask though.

You should have to phone up and ask though.

I presume you mean "shouldn`t have to phone up" and I agree with you , however someone somwhere, might just twig that a customer is asking for a PA to be made! surely Managers must think...

I bet they think....

'We don't get paid to do that so why would we?'

I bet they think....

'We don't get paid to do that so why would we?'

To speak down a microphone and press a button.

Hardly taxing is it?

Lazy f***ers.

Metrolink did have staff on hand at Market Street and Shudehill stops to let people know of the situation and annoucements were being made too. Shudehill was roped off at the junction of Withy Grove and High Street with buses diverted. The car was smashed up a bit at the front and was removed at around 7pm and the website is now saying that normal services have resumed from around 8pm.

I bet they think....

'We don't get paid to do that so why would we?'

That exactly what they are paid to do, some serious Customer training need here me thinks.

That exactly what they are paid to do, some serious Customer training need here me thinks.

Freel (I think) has previously suggested that there may be as few as three people in the control room.

As you suggesting that on an occassion such as today with a fatal accident blocking the tracks, no doubt reports needing to be taken, communication with the police required and a whole heap of a mess with trams all over the place that those three people should be spending time talking to each platform individually letting them know what is going on?

Maybe when the shit is hitting the fan they should ignore their contractual obligations, take a penalty for taking to long to get the trams re-started in a new pattern and complete a task that they are not contracted to deliver.

I'm guessing you have never worked for an outsourced company???

That exactly what they are paid to do, some serious Customer training need here me thinks.

Actually, do you know for sure that RATP are paid to do that or are you just assuming it to be the case?

Metrolink were advising and updating passengers this afternoon (sadly, as I was not using the tram today, I didn't get the full S.P. on what they were announcing !!!! :bash:)

However, the same cannot be said for First who didn't think it may be useful for the many passengers waiting at Urbis to be advised that no services would be picking up as the road (round the corner, and out of site) was closed due to the incident.

It was only thanks to a young lady who kindly shouted the news to the gathered masses that we all knew to relocate to different stops - but with no idea as to where they may be (long walk to Cheetham Hill for me in the end).

I wish that First had been as efficient and organised in customer care as Metrolink were (seeing as it is almost entirely First buses that use that stop).

Of course, any annoyance that I had felt about getting home so late pales into insignificance at the sad news of the fate of the driver.

Metrolink were advising and updating passengers this afternoon (sadly, as I was not using the tram today, I didn't get the full S.P. on what they were announcing !!!! :bash:)


I was at Exchange Quay from 5:15 to around 6pm and heard no announcements.

I was at Exchange Quay from 5:15 to around 6pm and heard no announcements.

It didn't affect the Eccles line though did it..?

Edit - just realised you said you were there for 45 minutes!!! Guess something did affect the Eccles line! Did you ring customer services?

Freel (I think) has previously suggested that there may be as few as three people in the control room.

As you suggesting that on an occassion such as today with a fatal accident blocking the tracks, no doubt reports needing to be taken, communication with the police required and a whole heap of a mess with trams all over the place that those three people should be spending time talking to each platform individually letting them know what is going on?

Maybe when the shit is hitting the fan they should ignore their contractual obligations, take a penalty for taking to long to get the trams re-started in a new pattern and complete a task that they are not contracted to deliver.

I'm guessing you have never worked for an outsourced company???

Actually, do you know for sure that RATP are paid to do that or are you just assuming it to be the case?#


You are now getting Political,as a Customer of Metrolink ( and lets be really really honest chaps thats how we see the tram Co, I am not interested in the Parent Co etc) all I /we want is information as to what is happening, is that too much to ask?

It didn't affect the Eccles line though did it..?

Edit - just realised you said you were there for 45 minutes!!! Guess something did affect the Eccles line! Did you ring customer services?

Something was going on. Only 3 trams came during that time and the 1st two were rammed.

I didn't phone customer services.

They should be doing announcements for people who were changing at Picc Gardens and heading towards Bury if there has been an incident that has closed part of the network.

Said it before and said it again. I bet that come the new world when they have the upgraded coms systems, when TMS tells the control room where everything is, they will massively improve the service offered.

What we here from drivers and other who have worked there tends to suggest that the telephone system based coms system that they have for Pgase 1&2 is crap and very labour intensive to use in a meaningful manner.

Another example of how Metrolink always has seemed to be a jam tomorrow network.

It never seems to quite get it right, tomorrow always brings something much better.

Freel (I think) has previously suggested that there may be as few as three people in the control room.

As you suggesting that on an occassion such as today with a fatal accident blocking the tracks, no doubt reports needing to be taken, communication with the police required and a whole heap of a mess with trams all over the place that those three people should be spending time talking to each platform individually letting them know what is going on?

Maybe when the shit is hitting the fan they should ignore their contractual obligations, take a penalty for taking to long to get the trams re-started in a new pattern and complete a task that they are not contracted to deliver.

I'm guessing you have never worked for an outsourced company???


There are more than three controllers in the control room , you are getting mixed up with customer services who would deal with any enquiries and the tso supervisers who would deal with pas on the platforms.

So how many would have been in the control room today (2:15) when the accident happened?
Any idea what tasks they had to complete as soon as possible and how many people would have been available to organise that?

Thanks by the way for putting me right, much appreciated.

I presume you mean "shouldn`t have to phone up" and I agree with you , however someone somwhere, might just twig that a customer is asking for a PA to be made! surely Managers must think...

Agree with all that, though over recent months Metrolink have been doing a better job of using the PA system to tell passengers if there is a delay to the service. It's patchy, but it's a start. Functioning PIDs would be better, but we live in hope.

That said, things couldn't have got much worse. I gave up on Metrolink customer services while standing the freezing cold at Bury on New Year's Day. It was about 8pm and I was trying to find out the time of the last tram heading towards the city centre. But the Metrolink poster containing info on services over the New Year break only included the times of the last services heading in one direction...ie. leaving the city centre...nothing on the times of the last trams leaving Bury heading the other way. Useless.

I rang Metrolink customer services - no answer. I asked a driver (happened to be walking by) who was friendly but didn't know the answer. He told me to call customer services. I tried calling twice more...still no answer.

I was at Exchange Quay from 5:15 to around 6pm and heard no announcements.

Well when I walked past St Peter's at 5.05 they were giving a very long and drawn out message about where people should go for what services and destinations. I only caught the tail end of the message, and as I wasn't getting the tram didn't take too much note of the details (I think I caught something about passengers for Bury should head to Victoria or Piccadilly, but I may have misheard - though that would tie in with the trams and bus service between stations).

Trams were still running down Moseley St fairly frequently, though the Moseley St tram stop was rammed so it did appear that there had been some delays.

After that I walked past Market St which was all but abandoned apart from a Metrolink lady who was giving directions to the only other person on the platform. It was clear that trams were not running on that stretch.

After that I went through the Arndale and later on to Urbis. Ironically, I was going to catch a bus at Shudehill, so would have not waited around for ages for bus services that were not ever going to arrive.

Can't speak for any of the stops I didn't pass, or any further out from the city centre - but they (Metrolink) did make an announcement at St Peters, and did have a person at Market St, and a lot of people were clearly walking to Victoria to pick up services there (so must have had some guidance) - unlike bus passengers at Urbis who were totally uninformed.

All told, time and again, people slate Metrolink for not providing information to paying passengers. Today, in an emergency, they may not have been perfect, but, had I been travelling by tram tonight I would have been home long before 7pm as I wouldn't have stood in the wind and rain and then had to walk up Cheetham Hill Rd.

I was at Chorlton on Saturday when an announcement came over the tannoy that passengers waiting at Chorlton should be aware that trams were delayed for about ten minutes due to a signalling fault at Trafford Bar.

Seems that at least a little more passenger awareness is happening.

Well when I walked past St Peter's at 5.05 they were giving a very long and drawn out message about where people should go for what services and destinations. I only caught the tail end of the message, and as I wasn't getting the tram didn't take too much note of the details (I think I caught something about passengers for Bury should head to Victoria or Piccadilly, but I may have misheard - though that would tie in with the trams and bus service between stations).

Trams were still running down Moseley St fairly frequently, though the Moseley St tram stop was rammed so it did appear that there had been some delays.

After that I walked past Market St which was all but abandoned apart from a Metrolink lady who was giving directions to the only other person on the platform. It was clear that trams were not running on that stretch.

After that I went through the Arndale and later on to Urbis. Ironically, I was going to catch a bus at Shudehill, so would have not waited around for ages for bus services that were not ever going to arrive.

Can't speak for any of the stops I didn't pass, or any further out from the city centre - but they (Metrolink) did make an announcement at St Peters, and did have a person at Market St, and a lot of people were clearly walking to Victoria to pick up services there (so must have had some guidance) - unlike bus passengers at Urbis who were totally uninformed.

All told, time and again, people slate Metrolink for not providing information to paying passengers. Today, in an emergency, they may not have been perfect, but, had I been travelling by tram tonight I would have been home long before 7pm as I wouldn't have stood in the wind and rain and then had to walk up Cheetham Hill Rd.

There were announcements at Mosley Street too. Something like "Due to an incident at Shudehill, Metrolink is unable to operate trams across the city centre. Operating services are: Bury to Victoria, Eccles to Piccadilly, Altrincham to Piccadilly, St Werburgh's Road to Piccadilly."

Sounds to be like you guys are describing the control room paradox. The paradox is why staffing levels are generally ok to get the job right the problem is when things are running well it means the staff have very little to do. But when something happens and you get disprution there aren't enough staff to do every job and things do get over looked. You haven't got time to do personal announcements at every station. For reference I do that sort job n the mainline railway.

The only way to solve this is have enough staff to cope with a bad day all the time. This ends up with staff bored when the services is good, is expensive and higher staff turn over, all lowing control room staff abilities.

Also sounds like the staff don't trust what's in front of them as well. as said, TMS will bring a step change in information being given out and I bet there is an agreement that the current situation is to be kept until then as investing money is kit your about to replace is pointless.

Nice early start for me and if i just heard a broadcast message correctly there has been a points failure and trams cant out of the depot im currently on brand new 3017 heading to chorlton, might be worth checking the website if ur planning on traveling soon

Thanks by the way for putting me right, much appreciated.

No comment on the tasks but there would have been at least 6 bodies in there.

I can't see why they can't have at least 10 other staff trained up as spares who would be able to get to the Control room and help with certain tasks ie make announcements which would leave the other staff to get on with their jobs and not have all the stress of running about like headless chickens.
How about training some of the inspectors. They could immediatley make their way back as if there aren't any trams running, or less trams then what's the point of standing about waiting for a tram to turn up just to check ticlets. No trams = no passengers!
Before I get jumped on the 10 suggested would be working different shifts over the whole day, on holiday or sick so it would only mean perhaps 1 or 2 extra bodies to help out, not all 10.

The only cost would be the training, but the difference for the passengers experience could not be counted.

Metrolink were advising and updating passengers this afternoon (sadly, as I was not using the tram today, I didn't get the full S.P. on what they were announcing !!!! :bash:)

However, the same cannot be said for First who didn't think it may be useful for the many passengers waiting at Urbis to be advised that no services would be picking up as the road (round the corner, and out of site) was closed due to the incident.

It was only thanks to a young lady who kindly shouted the news to the gathered masses that we all knew to relocate to different stops - but with no idea as to where they may be (long walk to Cheetham Hill for me in the end).

I wish that First had been as efficient and organised in customer care as Metrolink were (seeing as it is almost entirely First buses that use that stop).

Of course, any annoyance that I had felt about getting home so late pales into insignificance at the sad news of the fate of the driver.

The bus companies are not allowed to put information or any other helpful information on the bus stops or the poles. That's TfGM's job so there's no chance of anything happening. The bus companies won't have the staff to send to the stops but GMPTE do have the bus station supervisors who could have come round and told everybody. Not any chance of that happening either. TfGM rarely bag stops off when there are roadworks or put temporary ones out and when the works are over then any that are there stay there for days or even weeks causing confusion. This is even after they have been told by either drivers or the bus company.

I can't see why they can't have at least 10 other staff trained up as spares who would be able to get to the Control room and help with certain tasks ie make announcements which would leave the other staff to get on with their jobs and not have all the stress of running about like headless chickens.
How about training some of the inspectors. They could immediatley make their way back as if there aren't any trams running, or less trams then what's the point of standing about waiting for a tram to turn up just to check ticlets. No trams = no passengers!
Before I get jumped on the 10 suggested would be working different shifts over the whole day, on holiday or sick so it would only mean perhaps 1 or 2 extra bodies to help out, not all 10.

The only cost would be the training, but the difference for the passengers experience could not be counted.

Trained staff tend to have expectations of higher pay than their untrained colleagues otherwise why take the additional responsibility?

Anyway, why any unnecessary expense if the technology will solve the problems?

What is the benefit to RATP?

Problems of staff being variously bored/overworked will reduce when the system increases in size. With lots more trams to break down and long street running sections in Wythenshaw/Eccles new road/Ashton new road and bits in Oldham and Rochdale as well, it is likely that there will be something to deal with most of the time, and therefore worth employing extra staff for.

Problems of staff being variously bored/overworked will reduce when the system increases in size. With lots more trams to break down and long street running sections in Wythenshaw/Eccles new road/Ashton new road and bits in Oldham and Rochdale as well, it is likely that there will be something to deal with most of the time, and therefore worth employing extra staff for.

Plus whatever they are trained on today will be (hopefully) out of date within 6-12months and the job could potentially be vastly different.

Just as there is no doubt a balance as to how much to investbin the old trams and old signalling infrastructure as they are going the same question must be askes about training on declining processes and technologies.

Was in the Shudehill area last night and there were two Metro guys on the station to advise passengers.

The Bury bound platform was inside the police cordon as were two trams on the Picc bound platform (1019 and 3017) although you could walk along this platform. The trams weren't involved in the incident but must have arrived shortly after it happened. Still not sure why they were inside the crime scene though.

The car involved was blocking the Picc bound track at the S end of the station. It is believed that the driver had a heart attack coming across the junction and had hit a post on the pavement - looks like it was quite fast.

Not nice when something like that happens.

Chris W

Problems on the Bury Line today, the trams have had to run red signals all over the line..

20 mins late for work this morning :(

Still something up now, 3 trams queueing in market street station and some announcement about Piccadilly on the tannoys...

^^
There was a lot of queueing trams around Mosley St at about 18.15 today.
About 4 or 5 Picc/Bury/Victoria bound trams all queued up. Altrincham bound tram sat at Mosley St for ages until the driver eventually drove off through a stop signal.

Problems on the Bury Line today, the trams have had to run red signals all over the line..

Same story on the Altrincham line :bash:

Whenever I hear about signalling problems I do wonder if someone has updated something for TMS.

I suppose I live in naive hope.

20 mins late for work this morning :(

Really? Due to the strikes I was able to get on the 1st tram that arrived at Sale station this morning with ease @ around 8am.

The Mrs got held up with the strikes this afternoon, having to walk from Victoria to Deans Cas to get the tram to Alty.

By the time that she got there they had started running again but were full of strikers.

Her very limited sympathy for the strikers is now totally non-existent.

Really? Due to the strikes I was able to get on the 1st tram that arrived at Sale station this morning with ease @ around 8am.

Got to Sale about 7:20. Clearly there had just been a tram as there where not many people waiting.

15 minutes and a few announcements later a single tram rolled in that was so packed hardly anyone could get on.
At this point lots of people decided to make other arrangements due to the announcement that the next tram would be in 10 minutes and the platform was the busiest I have ever seen it. 15 minutes later my tram pulls in, emptier than usual.

I also got caught out by the 'frost' about a month ago.

Luckily I am normally always early so I don't think my boss minds too much.

Been waiting at Mosley St for a St. Werburgh's Road tram for about 25 mins (am about to call customer services) but 2 Not in Service doubles have just passed through towards St. Peter's Square, any idea where they might be off to at this time?

Old Trafford. Game was meant to finish 20mins ago but has gone to extra time.

Nice one Kurt. Boy I'm glad I don't have to mingle with the footie crowds on the Altrincham line anymore!! :-D

Got to Sale about 7:20. Clearly there had just been a tram as there where not many people waiting.

15 minutes and a few announcements later a single tram rolled in that was so packed hardly anyone could get on.
At this point lots of people decided to make other arrangements due to the announcement that the next tram would be in 10 minutes and the platform was the busiest I have ever seen it. 15 minutes later my tram pulls in, emptier than usual.

I also got caught out by the 'frost' about a month ago.

Luckily I am normally always early so I don't think my boss minds too much.

I was on the 1st tram out of victoria to chorlton (05:28) and the going was slow we pulled up behind a alti bound tram at st peters and sat there for about 5 mins, i was sat right behind the cab when a broadcast went out to all trams i missed the 1st bit but definatly caught that there was a points failure and trams couldnt leave the depot, queens road i presume, while we were there 1003 which had gone eccles bound about 10 mins before headed back towards queens not in service after this both mine and the alti trams carried on towards destination but real slow and stopping at every signal at trafford bar a guy in orange jacket spoke to my driver couldnt make out what he said we carried on at walking pace till we had cleared the depot, the driver got another message at chorlton stop but caught nothing of this 1 as i was stood at the door waiting for the driver to stop his conversation and activating the doors so i could get off

I was on the 1st tram out of victoria to chorlton (05:28) and the going was slow we pulled up behind a alti bound tram at st peters and sat there for about 5 mins, i was sat right behind the cab when a broadcast went out to all trams i missed the 1st bit but definatly caught that there was a points failure and trams couldnt leave the depot, queens road i presume, while we were there 1003 which had gone eccles bound about 10 mins before headed back towards queens not in service after this both mine and the alti trams carried on towards destination but real slow and stopping at every signal at trafford bar a guy in orange jacket spoke to my driver couldnt make out what he said we carried on at walking pace till we had cleared the depot, the driver got another message at chorlton stop but caught nothing of this 1 as i was stood at the door waiting for the driver to stop his conversation and activating the doors so i could get off

Ever heard of a full stop? :nuts:

I can't see why they can't have at least 10 other staff trained up as spares who would be able to get to the Control room and help with certain tasks ie make announcements which would leave the other staff to get on with their jobs and not have all the stress of running about like headless chickens.
How about training some of the inspectors. They could immediatley make their way back as if there aren't any trams running, or less trams then what's the point of standing about waiting for a tram to turn up just to check ticlets. No trams = no passengers!
Before I get jumped on the 10 suggested would be working different shifts over the whole day, on holiday or sick so it would only mean perhaps 1 or 2 extra bodies to help out, not all 10.

The only cost would be the training, but the difference for the passengers experience could not be counted.

That simply would not work. I work on a railway that spans over a 120 miles of track (that's distance not both ways and off peak only as we do additional routes in peak) and we have a total of 8 staff to pass on all information on the roster, that's with a 24/7 staff of our control as we run services 23hrs a day. We supply information to 68 stations off peak, 85 in peak plus staff and Internet based site. I'd be surprised in Metrolink was as many as it deals with no-where near as many people or trains as I do on a daily basis. Also the other point in what you suggest is have them spare? As in at home on call or sat around in the control room? Still the cost of this is massive and will never be justified.

As for making the inspectors being able to assist, you then have to think about training and making sure each of them goes to the control centre on a regular basis to keep up their skills once train. Another expense that will never work.

Also another point is even if you could afford all these extra people, think about the office space. Do you really want to build something that sits around not used a lot with all the added costs of that?



Trained staff tend to have expectations of higher pay than their untrained colleagues otherwise why take the additional responsibility?

Anyway, why any unnecessary expense if the technology will solve the problems?

What is the benefit to RATP?

Agreed. At the end of the day it all comes down to cost.

Problems of staff being variously bored/overworked will reduce when the system increases in size. With lots more trams to break down and long street running sections in Wythenshaw/Eccles new road/Ashton new road and bits in Oldham and Rochdale as well, it is likely that there will be something to deal with most of the time, and therefore worth employing extra staff for.

No it won't. The staff levels will increase as the network expands. Other wise you'd pay staff to work when they aren't needed. they will add more and more staff as time goes on but you always ensure you have just enough staff to cover. Other wise your cost base will become massive and there is only one way to pass on the costs.

Some people do seem to have an unrealistic expectation in regards to this matter. We all know communications need to be better and I am sure the good people at Metrolink are aware of the problem and I am sure they do what they can with the resources available whenever there is a disruption. None of us know what equipment they have, what its scope is and whether it is all still serviceable. Clearly they were supposed to be on the line-of-sight TOS system now, but for whatever reason it hasn't gone to plan, so it could be that they haven't got the capacity to do what everyone on here thinks they should do. On some days there are echos of the MEN website on these pages with regards to PA's etc - not saying the existing is good enough, but none of us know the facts.

It must be frustrating for the Altrincham line customers having the PID screens that don't work, but as they are tied in to the TOS system there is little point switching them on if they aren't going to be able to give the information they have been designed to do. What might be helpful is for some posters to be put on stations explaining why they don't work and what passengers can expect when there is a disruption in terms of information etc.

Things are clearly not great in terms of communications at the moment, but I think the problems with getting the new system and new lines up and running are clearly part of the problem.

That simply would not work. I work on a railway that spans over a 120 miles of track (that's distance not both ways and off peak only as we do additional routes in peak) and we have a total of 8 staff to pass on all information on the roster, that's with a 24/7 staff of our control as we run services 23hrs a day. We supply information to 68 stations off peak, 85 in peak plus staff and Internet based site. I'd be surprised in Metrolink was as many as it deals with no-where near as many people or trains as I do on a daily basis. Also the other point in what you suggest is have them spare? As in at home on call or sat around in the control room? Still the cost of this is massive and will never be justified.

As for making the inspectors being able to assist, you then have to think about training and making sure each of them goes to the control centre on a regular basis to keep up their skills once train. Another expense that will never work.

Also another point is even if you could afford all these extra people, think about the office space. Do you really want to build something that sits around not used a lot with all the added costs of that?







.

Maybe I didn't put it right.

I didn't mean having people sitting about spare, or extra staff on call.

I meant have some staff trained up who are able to help out with easier duties ie make announcements when it goes wrong. In other words they are out and about doing their job and when it looks as if something is going wrong that may last a while,then they return to the depot to assist.There's not much training involved in showing someone what button to press and pass messages on to the passengers. There's probably not much if any training involved when the new system comes on line, just different buttons to press? They would not be controllers on on a controllers wage. In other words if someone comes in and it's gone tits up then they don't go out checking tickets. If they arent able to get back to assist then it's cost nothing.

Some bus companies work this system and it works fine with some drivers taken off driving when they are needed to answer the radio or route buses in and out of the garage, leaving the inspectors to get on with their jobs. Unless they are needed, then they are drivers on normal duties who get seconded when required.
When they are used then for that day onlythere is a pay enhancement.


It works absolutely fine and all it costs is an extra hour's pay for that day. Also there is definately not a shortage of volunteers!

There are great advantages to this kind of working as they have to apply. If permanent jobs come up then the management has already seen whether they could be capable of doing the job and have the correct mindset, and so can vet them before making it permanent and in the case of someone they don't know a lot about, then having to put up with them or try usually unsuccessfully to get rid of them.

All I'm suggesting is that some inspectors could be used in this way. It doesnt take much to say " The Bury service is suspended between Piccadilly and Victoria and passengers should make theri way there to continue"

Think you've all made more out of it than I meant!:lol:

Isn't it normally that case that instead of rushing to the depot the staff rush to the affected stations?

I was in town when the crash happened on Tuesday and within a few minutes there were staff appearing everywhere.

The lady on Picc was clearly having trouble being able to get through to the control room on the platform phones, other ticket inspectors were advising the passengers what to do.

I guess the simple fact is there is no benefit in RATP following the procedures that you suggest, otherwise why do you think that they are not doing it?

My guess is someone somewhere has decided that for whatever reason - maybe because very few people can hear or understand announcements on the tannoys - that the staff are best utilised on the platforms.

That is certainly what occured on Tuesday and from what the Mrs was saying in town yesterday during and following the marches.

On a positive note, the announcements being made over the tannoy at St. Peter's Square yesterday were excellent, clear and informative.

A little video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1LdtWM0HAY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Network Rail Signal/Points Failure at Navigation Rd, some services turning at TImperly.

.....They would not be controllers on on a controllers wage. In other words if someone comes in and it's gone tits up then they don't go out checking tickets......



But don't the "ticket checkers" work for TfGM rather than RAPT?

Maybe I didn't put it right.

I didn't mean having people sitting about spare, or extra staff on call.

I meant have some staff trained up who are able to help out with easier duties ie make announcements when it goes wrong. In other words they are out and about doing their job and when it looks as if something is going wrong that may last a while,then they return to the depot to assist.There's not much training involved in showing someone what button to press and pass messages on to the passengers. There's probably not much if any training involved when the new system comes on line, just different buttons to press? They would not be controllers on on a controllers wage. In other words if someone comes in and it's gone tits up then they don't go out checking tickets. If they arent able to get back to assist then it's cost nothing.

Some bus companies work this system and it works fine with some drivers taken off driving when they are needed to answer the radio or route buses in and out of the garage, leaving the inspectors to get on with their jobs. Unless they are needed, then they are drivers on normal duties who get seconded when required.
When they are used then for that day onlythere is a pay enhancement.

It works absolutely fine and all it costs is an extra hour's pay for that day. Also there is definately not a shortage of volunteers!

There are great advantages to this kind of working as they have to apply. If permanent jobs come up then the management has already seen whether they could be capable of doing the job and have the correct mindset, and so can vet them before making it permanent and in the case of someone they don't know a lot about, then having to put up with them or try usually unsuccessfully to get rid of them.

All I'm suggesting is that some inspectors could be used in this way. It doesnt take much to say " The Bury service is suspended between Piccadilly and Victoria and passengers should make theri way there to continue"

Think you've all made more out of it than I meant!:lol:

I'm saying from my point of view and not having knowledge of what Metrolink has but what the National Rail TOC's have and it actually a lot more than pushing buttons. It's all specialised software.

I suppose this is all depending on whether Metrolink operates like the buses or rail network I suppose.

Personally I think its a valid idea and as you say works on the buses, but wouldn't work on the rail network.

The Metrolink website says normal service is operating, but there was 3 trams queued outside Victoria station behind the red light of the old platform about 30mins ago

But don't the "ticket checkers" work for TfGM rather than RAPT?

No sentinel, they work to RATP although TfGM do pay for them in the moies paid to metrolink to operate the system. TfGM do keep all the revenue though (and I suppose they keep the fines?)

No sentinel, they work to RATP although TfGM do pay for them in the moies paid to metrolink to operate the system. TfGM do keep all the revenue though (and I suppose they keep the fines?)

Hmm, yes, that was what was behind my thinking. RAPT don't really care about fare revenue, they run a specified service for a specified fee. I guess there must be something in their contract about revenue protection, I wonder how they measure performance on that one?

Probably TfGM run surveys to test the level of checking of tickets and RATP have to meet a certain SLA.

Hi

I notice this in MEN website nothing big.

Girl gang wanted over 'cowardly' attacks on Metrolink tram passengers

These are the three suspects being sought after a teenage girl gang carried out sickening attacks on a tram.

In the first attack a 16-year-old girl was pursued along the tram – and struck twice in the face with a filled plastic bottle.

And in a later incident, the gang dragged a 62-year-old woman by the hair and kicked her repeatedly.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after branding the attacks 'cowardly'.


The first happened on 7 October on the Bury service.

The gang sat opposite the 16-year-old victim and her friend and began to argue with them, accusing them of trying to start a fight.

Terrified, they went to the end of the carriage but were followed by the gang of three girls who continued to try to cause trouble.

The 16-year-old was then attacked with the bottle as the tram stopped at Metrolink before the gang got off.

The second attack happened on 21 October, when the 62-year-old was on a busy tram between Whitefield and Besses o'th Barn. The same three teenage girls were sat on the tram with a boy, aged around 16. He lit a cigarette, prompting the victim to ask him to put it out.

The gang then grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to the floor before kicking her a number of times in her head and body. A short time later they got off at Besses o'th Barn station. The victim sustained several bruises as a result of the attack.

Two of the gang members are white and around 16 or 17 years old. The third is mixed race and is around17 years old with black curly hair.

Detective Constable David Thorpe, from Bury CID, appealed for witnesses.

He said: "These three offenders have victimised these two women for no apparent reason, carrying out cowardly attacks on them.

"I am sure that someone will recognise them from the images we have released,

"If so, I would ask you to please get in touch, so we can stop these bullies from targeting anyone else."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8248 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1466808_pictured-girl-gang-wanted-over-cowardly-attacks-on-metrolink-tram-passengers

This Has just come up on the website, could it be something to do with the testing that was mentioned earlier (Or on the Metrolink Extension Thread)

"A 6 minute service is operating on the Altrincham and Bury line.

A 12 minute service is operating on the Eccles/MediaCityUK line. There will be an extension of the Piccadilly to MediaCityUK service until 22:00hours this evening. However, the service will not operate from Eccles to MediaCityUK. Passengers should alight at Broadway or Harbour City for the Lowry.

Metrolink would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

A 12 minute service is operating on the South Manchester line from Victoria to St. Werburgh's Road."

I don't quite get what they're saying... The Piccadilly to MediaCityUK service won't operate to Eccles? It doesn't usually though? Or are they just saying MediaCityUK is open later than usual tonight?

I think its the Media City to Picadilly will opperate later then change to Eccles Via Media City

Ok. I don't think that's an incredibly well-worded update! So that's just today then I assume? Curious.

Also why would a service extension cause the inconvenience they're apologising for?

I think that was for Passengers who have to get off at Broadway or Harbour City, i had to read it a few times to fully understand it.

No services operate ECC- MC- PIC apart form Sundays, so not clear at all..:ohno::ohno:

Its simples.

Normally service to Media City ends in the evening and trams go straight to Eccles.
However in a change to normal trams from Piccadilly will call at Media City while those from Eccles wont.

The idea is simples but that's not what I read into the announcement at all, so not quite so simples.

The idea is simples but that's not what I read into the announcement at all, so not quite so simples.

I read it as trams will go:
# PICC-MCUK-ECC
# ECC-PICC (not stopping at MCUK so use Broadway or Harbour City if you're going from Eccles to MediaCity.)

It is a bit confusing though. - Is there a special event at MediaCity to give them reason to run trams in there til later? (MediaCity stop is normally closed after 8pm Mon-Fri)

Maybe they're just doing some running testing on the junction??

Late to the party but just seen 1003 in all its glory for the first time at Piccadilly station and I think it looks absolutely fabulous. Totes amaze in fact.

Lets face Metrolink are not renowned for their communication skills, therefore any mis-undestanding in a PA or written communique means its failed, ALL annoucements whether verbal, written, or by any other means should be clear, concise , and informative.

Due to a Police incident at Weaste there is currently no service between Eccles and Broadway.

Services are operating from Piccadilly to Broadway.

Metrolink would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

A 12 minute service is operating on the Altrincham and Bury line.


A 12 minute service is operating on the South Manchester line from Victoria to St. Werburgh's Road.

Due to a Police incident at Weaste there is currently no service between Eccles and Broadway.

Services are operating from Piccadilly to Broadway.

Metrolink would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

A 12 minute service is operating on the Altrincham and Bury line.


A 12 minute service is operating on the South Manchester line from Victoria to St. Werburgh's Road.

yes, just driven along there about 15 minutes ago. Heart sank when saw a tram at langworthy going towards eccles as thought was going to be stuck behind it all the way. But we got to go first thank goodness.

Well, at Derby Road there is 1003 sat with the hazzards on and police and ambulances on the other side of the road where the PDSA is I think. At Weaste 1013 is sat, so there are 3 out of the 6 required all in that space. Maybe that's why mediacity is open later, although it does say between Broadway and Piccadilly only...........???

yes, just driven along there about 15 minutes ago. Heart sank when saw a tram at langworthy going towards eccles as thought was going to be stuck behind it all the way. But we got to go first thank goodness.

Well, at Derby Road there is 1003 sat with the hazzards on and police and ambulances on the other side of the road where the PDSA is I think. At Weaste 1013 is sat, so there are 3 out of the 6 required all in that space. Maybe that's why mediacity is open later, although it does say between Broadway and Piccadilly only...........???

From what I have just heard a tram driver has been attacked somewhere around Weaste. Sounds bad but only secondhand info so we will have to wait and see what is reported. If its true there needs to be serious thought given to running beyond MCUK after 19:00 ish.

I suspect there may be some problems with evening services along Eccles New Road in the aftermath of this sickening event.

From what I have just heard a tram driver has been attacked somewhere around Weaste. Sounds bad but only secondhand info so we will have to wait and see what is reported. If its true there needs to be serious thought given to running beyond MCUK after 19:00 ish.

I suspect there may be some problems with evening services along Eccles New Road in the aftermath of this sickening event.

I so hope what you have heard turns out to be hearsay and conjecture - that is awful, and as you say, sickening if true.

Was an axe robbery at Carphone Warehouse in Preswich tonight as well, when the Police arrived they threw the axe at them.

The Eccles line seems to have always been the one which attracts the idiots in the evenings and I sincerely hope that if a driver has been assaulted something will be done quickly to address the unsocial element who seem to like frequenting this line and using it as a free service to annoy the decent majority who use it.

Thoughts with the staff involved in this incident and it shows how much we owe public transport drivers and other staff who go about their job for our benefit. Kind of puts gripes and TMS and PA's into perspective!

The Eccles line seems to have always been the one which attracts the idiots in the evenings and I sincerely hope that if a driver has been assaulted something will be done quickly to address the unsocial element who seem to like frequenting this line and using it as a free service to annoy the decent majority who use it.

Thoughts with the staff involved in this incident and it shows how much we owe public transport drivers and other staff who go about their job for our benefit. Kind of puts gripes and TMS and PA's into perspective!

I doubt this hear-say of a driver assault is true. The driver should be in his cab at Weaste so unless there was another driver on his way home after shift, then it's pretty unlikely that a driver would be in a position to get assaulted.

Edit:
Only idea I have is that it was one of the inspectors that was assaulted and someone incorrectly quoted that it was a driver

I don`t think you can isolate incidents to just one line, several months ago I witnessed an incident on the ALT line, the person involved was so drunk etc etc , an ambulance had to be called, I would imagine it happens on all lines, from time to time.

I doubt this hear-say of a driver assault is true. The driver should be in his cab at Weaste so unless there was another driver on his way home after shift, then it's pretty unlikely that a driver would be in a position to get assaulted.

Edit:
Only idea I have is that it was one of the inspectors that was assaulted and someone incorrectly quoted that it was a driver

The hear say is true he ended up in hospital if a door cock is cocked who do you think gets out to reset it,

Yeah one of the drivers at Victoria who used to drive the Metro seemed to think he was dragged from his cab. I'm not sure what they hoped to achieve! Its not like you can steal a tram and drive it off? The mind boggles

Yeah one of the drivers at Victoria who used to drive the Metro seemed to think he was dragged from his cab. I'm not sure what they hoped to achieve! Its not like you can steal a tram and drive it off? The mind boggles

That is one question, If someone did get into the cab and the key was still in. Would they be able to give the tram a joy-ride down the tracks? And how would the control room stop the tram if it did happen? I'm guessing they don't have a remote shutdown...

That is one question, If someone did get into the cab and the key was still in. Would they be able to give the tram a joy-ride down the tracks? And how would the control room stop the tram if it did happen? I'm guessing they don't have a remote shutdown...

Killing the power is one idea.

Killing the power is one idea.

Ah true, could just isolate the section with the run-away tram in, rest of the system will run (up to the point where the dead section is)

One of the doors on 3005 was broken this evening. :ohno:

That is one question, If someone did get into the cab and the key was still in. Would they be able to give the tram a joy-ride down the tracks? And how would the control room stop the tram if it did happen? I'm guessing they don't have a remote shutdown...

I always thought about that when drivers change at Queens Road and leave the cab door wide open...

Yeah one of the drivers at Victoria who used to drive the Metro seemed to think he was dragged from his cab. I'm not sure what they hoped to achieve! Its not like you can steal a tram and drive it off? The mind boggles

No it was as already said. The yobs were messing with the door cocks and obviously the only way to reset them is by leaving the cab. Its been a long running problem on the Eccles Line particularly. I think it happened at Derby Road crossing and they released the doors and got off. Once the driver reset the release they continued messing with the external release.

I've also heard about the recurring door cock problem on the Eccles line. Something needs to be done, but what?

Nothing can be done, just need to accept it probably.

Need to be able to open doors in an emergency which will always mean thugs can be a problem.

Nothing can be done, just need to accept it probably.

Need to be able to open doors in an emergency which will always mean thugs can be a problem.

Needs a reset in the cabs really...

Needs a reset in the cabs really...

Seriously costly to retrofit nearly 100 trams though.

Surprised this incident not on the MEN website yet. They need to release CCTV images of the thugs responsible like they did for those girls on the bury line recently.

It won't appear on the MEN website or paper until they can find an angle that makes it Metrolink's fault!

There is clearly no easy way of sorting the issue out, but if it is becoming a regular pattern of behaviour then something has to be done to address it. Passengers need to be able to open the doors in an emergency, so there would never be an acceptable case for getting rid of them.

Hopefully there is some decent CCTV of the scum responsible and they can be given a suitable punishment. Shocking that someone doing their job can be assaulted - but that's the good old British public for you!

Needs a reset in the cabs really...

Can't do that. The release is a mechanical fail safe feature located by the doors. It has to function even if the tram is completely disabled or heaven forbid the driver incapacitated in an accident which prevents access to the cab.

I've also heard about the recurring door cock problem on the Eccles line. Something needs to be done, but what?

Would someone please explain why this problem is only inherant to the ECC line?

Would someone please explain why this problem is only inherant to the ECC line?

Street running.

You don`t want to be stopping a tram half way between two stops on any other line.

Sounds like the reason. Wonder if the same problem will occur on the EML and the Airport line as they both have a lot of street running (or next to street running!).

Would someone please explain why this problem is only inherant to the ECC line?

It also happens to a lesser degree in the City Centre. The simple answer to your question though is 'look what kind of people inhabit Weaste'.

Perhaps they should start enforcing the railway byelaw re improper use of door releases, if every time someone does it they end up with a £200 fine without fail then it will probably happen a lot less frequently

Perhaps they should start enforcing the railway byelaw re improper use of door releases, if every time someone does it they end up with a £200 fine without fail then it will probably happen a lot less frequently

How on earth do you catch these offenders?

Given these people are almost certainly already risking a £100 fine for not having a ticket a threat of another fine won 't make the slightest difference, any driver in an isolated positiontrying to challenge these people will be even more vulnerable if they great a hefty fine.

Plus the other obvious point if they do not fear the consequences of attacking RATP staff I cannot see them worrying about a potential much more minor fine for stopping a team illegally when there is almost zero chance of being caught.

Passengers jump out of the back door of buses too , even from the one at the back upstairs. They have even opened the back door to get on without paying. And this can happen in bus stations when an Inspector is standing at the front!
It used to happen a lot with the front doors when they couldn't be bothered to wait till the stop. The cameras have reduced this though and believe it or not just a little flap over the buttons has been enough to make it harder for them as it takes longer. The other thing they did was to open the boot when you were at a stop, then switch the engine off so you had to get out to start it, then you got robbed and or many windows smashed. The trick there was to just drive past the stops or stop further down the road to let people off. The driver has a right to do this if he feels it's unsafe to stop or be dangerous, even if passengers are left. A quick call on the radio afterwards is all that's required. Greenbrow road in Wythenshawe was the worst for this, by the Eagle pub and the passengers finally gave up waiting at those stops as the buses all drove past.

There's nothing you can do except hope they get run over, or break a leg as once they've done it, it's their own responsiblity and the driver is free to drive on without giving assistance if he feels like it, and just report it. (Sorry, but when it continually happens and carries on for months on end, with seemingly nothing been done about it, that's how you end up feeling)
There's not a lot you can do with trams I don't think, and there's not much chance they will be caught.

Only one thing I will say though is that this element usually doesn't pay, or has a dodgy ticket. A big majority of passengers caught without valid tickets or copied passes are usually involved in something else. Just a thought, because this won't happen either.Maybe have Inspectors on every tram checking tickets as passengers board for say 2 or 3 months would help? Also if anyone is caught meddling with the doors, these days the family can be evicted from their home for being involved in criminal offences.

If this does carry on on the new lines I imagine it would be along Hollyhedge Road as that's probably the worst part of that line. It went without buses after dark for over 6 months till they planted a decoy bus a few minutes in front of the service followed by the police and Willow park housing vans and caught most of them. Then again, maybe nothing will happen, let's hope it doesn't as you can't divert a tram (obviously...lol).

My experience of this is that it doesn't go on forever. It goes in cycles. As this lot get older and start breeding with any local Chanterelle or Vicky Pollard that will have them, thus creating jobs for the benefit agency, they lose interest. The next lot may be up to something different, or even nothing at all!

They still don't seem to have released CCTV images of this latest bunch of lowlifes. Maybe the CCTV wasn't functioning on the tram.. or maybe their faces were covered. I guess the CCTV is the only hope of catching these people realistically...

Chances are the police know who did it. Also a fair chance the driver will not want publicity.

As the trams do not have CCTV outside chances are the attack was not captured so there is unlikely to be any evidence.

Even when you know who had committed such an offence it may be incredibly hard proving it.

They still don't seem to have released CCTV images of this latest bunch of lowlifes. Maybe the CCTV wasn't functioning on the tram.. or maybe their faces were covered. I guess the CCTV is the only hope of catching these people realistically...

The CCTV will have to be reviewed by the various authorities involved before it will be released to the press/public. This could be days or even weeks!! CCTV is a minefield. Any mistakes made with it's handling or processing can mean in becomes unsubmissable as evidence.

Good point matey. Those CCTV images of the bury line girl gang have only just been made public and the attacks happened in October.

Seems to be a 5 tph all double unit service today.

Shame the shocking weather means they are almost empty.

On Altrincham line anyway.

I know this question has been asked before, but I can't find the answer now - why don't they ever run a couple of doubles on the Eccles line in peak time? It does get hugely busy in rush hour. Is it simply that, busy as it gets, it never matches the Altrincham - Bury line?

Lack of trams.

Hmmm, I'm waiting at Chorlton for a city bound tram. PID says 18 minutes. PID on the St. Werburgh's Road bound platform says 1 minute. Then it changes to St. Werburgh's Road - Approaching, and then 3003 trundles through towards St. Werburgh's Road but "not in service", without stopping. Any ideas what that's about? 3005 has now just also gone towards St. Werburgh's Road.

Lack of trams.

Yes bit I was asking why they prioritise the Altrincham line over the Eccles line - presumably must be because it's just busier?

Edit: first citybound tram was 3005 so 3003 must be waiting at the end of the St. Werburgh's Road turnback

I know this question has been asked before, but I can't find the answer now - why don't they ever run a couple of doubles on the Eccles line in peak time? It does get hugely busy in rush hour. Is it simply that, busy as it gets, it never matches the Altrincham - Bury line?

Before they introduced the MediaCity service, yes, the Eccles line was very busy and hugely frustrating. So much so, that I started to get off at Trafford Bar and walk to Exchange Quay instead.

Since they started running the MediaCity service, capacity has increased and I have never not been able to get on a tram in either direction between Exchange Quay and Cornbrook. (unless there has been failed vehicle just before rush hour)

If you think that is hugely busy then you should try getting on a tram to Manchester at Sale Station at 8am or a tram from Cornbrook to Sale at 5pm. Thats what I call busy!

Even busier than that is my stop - Dane Rd - all you lot from Sale are on by then and no one ever gets off at DR to free up space.

Before they introduced the MediaCity service, yes, the Eccles line was very busy and hugely frustrating. So much so, that I started to get off at Trafford Bar and walk to Exchange Quay instead.

Since they started running the MediaCity service, capacity has increased and I have never not been able to get on a tram in either direction between Exchange Quay and Cornbrook. (unless there has been failed vehicle just before rush hour)!

I guess the MediaCityUK service has effectively doubled capacity on the first half of the Eccles line, to be honest it's the line I have the least experience of, so I was only really going by what I've read on here.

I wonder once all the new lines are up and running, which one will be the busiest on a day to day basis? Still Altrincham - Bury or will one of the newbies overtake it?

I wonder once all the new lines are up and running, which one will be the busiest on a day to day basis? Still Altrincham - Bury or will one of the newbies overtake it?
I don't know about the busiest but I suspect, once it's open all the way to Ashton, the East Manchester line will be very busy indeed. Except for Ashton we've not had an alternative to road travel into Manchester and the trams, once past the Velopark, will be off-street almost all the way, so avoiding all the bottlenecks of Great Ancoats St., Oldham St. etc. I haven't travelled that way at peak times for many years but it's bad enough at times off peak, especially at the moment with the road works on Great Ancoats St.

I hope they open the line to Velopark by June, as rumoured - I'll be jumping off the bus there and onto the tram from day one.

I hope they open the line to Velopark by June, as rumoured - I'll be jumping off the bus there and onto the tram from day one.

Me too from Edge Lane Loweskid.

I think the June date is probably a red herring. My guess is that the person who answered a question on behalf of Man City FC was simply going by the TFGM stated position for Droylsden, which at that time was 'Spring 2012.'

Now that Mr Purdy has confirmed this week that negotiations are ongoing for a possible opening to Velopark ahead of Droylsden, the only other thing in the way would seem to be TMS. Apart from these two things, all the infrastructure appears to have been ready since August, so if they are both resolved perhaps it could be even sooner? I am sure Man City will welcomeit with open arms.

:cheers:

I guess the MediaCityUK service has effectively doubled capacity on the first half of the Eccles line, to be honest it's the line I have the least experience of, so I was only really going by what I've read on here.

I wonder once all the new lines are up and running, which one will be the busiest on a day to day basis? Still Altrincham - Bury or will one of the newbies overtake it?

Yes you are correct as a result of MC services being introduced from HCY onwards to PICC its effectively a six minute service

3003 is still sat at the end of the St. Werburgh's Road turnback out of service...

Chances are the police know who did it. Also a fair chance the driver will not want publicity.

As the trams do not have CCTV outside chances are the attack was not captured so there is unlikely to be any evidence.

Even when you know who had committed such an offence it may be incredibly hard proving it.

if it happened infront of tram they have forward facing cctv

Was thinking that on the tram today.

You know the cameras that allow the driver to see the doors?

I presume that they do not record.

If you mean the wing mirror cameras it certainly would be a good idea to record them, if nothing else it might provide more evidence when a car and tram have an argument

Arent they black box style, record the last 15 minutes prior to a collision being detected.

3003 is still sat at the end of the St. Werburgh's Road turnback out of service...

Earlier on in the week I took 3003 from St Werburghs to Chorlton and could vaguely hear a discussion between driver and control. It sounded very much as if the tram was sick then!
I'm surprised that it wasn't taken out of service then.

Was thinking that on the tram today.

You know the cameras that allow the driver to see the doors?

I presume that they do not record.

no they do not record if you look at the top of the drivers cab window in the middle there is a small camera which records all of the time

Was on a Eccles via Mediacity service this afternoon, that didn't call at Mediacity due to congestion if the branch is congested at half three on a sunday, is avoiding MC a thing that happens often.

Also the driver of 1013 kept turning a knob just to the right of the cab radio about every 90 seconds, any ideas what that was for?

Was it on the Radio?

Was on a Eccles via Mediacity service this afternoon, that didn't call at Mediacity due to congestion if the branch is congested at half three on a sunday, is avoiding MC a thing that happens often.

Also the driver of 1013 kept turning a knob just to the right of the cab radio about every 90 seconds, any ideas what that was for?

Presumably congestion as in trams on the spur already rather than congestion of people on the tram.

Was it on the Radio?

The two buttons just below the green one to the right of the radio.

Tonight on BBC Four 9:00pm - Timeshift: The Golden Age of Trams: A Streetcar Named Desire

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017zqw8

Slide show -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-15990563

Metrolink performance summary for Period 6 of Metrolink operations (Monday 19 September 2011 to Sunday 16 October 2011). now available at
http://www.transportforgreatermanchestercommittee.gov.uk/downloads/file/4238/item_05_metrolink_service_performance

snippets:

Operated mileage in Period 5 was at 99.48% decreasing to 99.22% in Period 6. Listed below are the 5 major incidents which impacted on performance during the Period.
 On Thursday 29 September 2011 at 13:45, a double tram failed inbound outside the Midland Hotel (nr St Peter’s Square). At the same time substation breakers at Deansgate-Castlefield and High Street tripped open causing loss of power to the overhead line. The service operated Altrincham, Eccles and South Manchester to Deansgate-Castlefield and Bury to Piccadilly until 14:15 when
services resumed.
 On Thursday 29 September 2011 at 14:41 a driver reported that he had a loss of traction between Woodlands Road and Abraham Moss. Services from Altrincham (direct) and South Manchester during this time were re-directed to Piccadilly station until 15:30when normal services resumed.
 On Saturday 1 October 2011 at 15:44 a vehicle failed at Trafford Bar inbound with a brake failure. The service on the Altrincham line was suspended and Metrolink tickets were authorised to be used on commercial bus services until 16:50 when services resumed.
 On Saturday 1 October 2011 at 23:51 the points in Piccadilly Station lost detection. Altrincham/Eccles/South Manchester services were turned at Piccadilly Gardens until the points were handed back for operational use at 00:30.
 On Sunday 16 October 2011 at 12:18 a vehicle failed at Radcliffe outbound with a loss of traction. Bury Services were turned at Whitefield and authority was granted for Metrolink tickets to be used on commercial bus services between Whitefield and Bury until 13:45 when services resumed.

3.2 Vehicle Availability
3.2.1 During Period 6 the required availability of trams in service (Mon – Fri) for the morning peak was 42 following the opening of the South Manchester Line.
3.2.2 During normal operations, the target availability is lower on Saturday and Sunday. However, where possible, the Operator will run extra vehicles, increasing the frequency of service at the weekend.


3.3.4 2 vehicles were out of service at various times during the Period.
 2004 began undergoing its special project modifications in Period 5. The planned work has been completed and the vehicle returned to service on the 12 October.
 1026 also started its special project modifications in Period 5 and returned to service on the 4 November.

3.4 Complaints
3.4.1 Complaints increased from 450 in Period 5 to 2,031 in Period 6 which is the highest level over the last 12 months. The main reason for complaints during the Period was the two service disruptions on Thursday 29 September accounting for 1,572 complaints. However there is an underlying trend of improvement on other issues for example there were only 5 complaints during the Period regarding passenger announcements despite the 5 service disruptions during the Period.
3.4.2 9 commendations have been received from passengers this period including 4 lost property recovery, 2 customer services, 1 driver passenger service, 1 PSR assistance and 1 for the overall service provided.

Only 5 complaints about announcements.

I bet RATP are easily meeting any SLA related to that in their contract.

 On Thursday 29 September 2011 at 13:45, a double tram failed inbound outside the Midland Hotel (nr St Peter’s Square). At the same time substation breakers at Deansgate-Castlefield and High Street tripped open causing loss of power to the overhead line. The service operated Altrincham, Eccles and South Manchester to Deansgate-Castlefield and Bury to Piccadilly until 14:15 when
services resumed.
 On Thursday 29 September 2011 at 14:41 a driver reported that he had a loss of traction between Woodlands Road and Abraham Moss. Services from Altrincham (direct) and South Manchester during this time were re-directed to Piccadilly station until 15:30when normal services resumed.vehicles, increasing the frequency of service at the weekend.

The main reason for complaints during the Period was the two service disruptions on Thursday 29 September accounting for 1,572 complaints.

All those complaints for less than 1hr30 of service disruption?!?!? Sounds a hell of a lot for that!

If true shows what many on here get worked up about is not necessarily what TfGM would necessarily want RATP to be concentrating on.

If true they should be focusing all efforts on improving service reliability just by 0.5% would have more of an effect on complaints then getting rid of every single complaint about communications.

On an Bury-Altrincham service today and saw the festive 1003 coupled with 1002. I don't know if this has been done before. It looked a little odd seeing the first 'banana' (OK not really!) coupled with a tram in the original livery.

Also the tram I was on (a double 1023/1009) stopped at Mosley Street for approximately 5 minutes due to an issue with the doors. The driver had to disembark, check all the doors on both units and re-enter the cab. It was still a few minutes before this departed.
This caused a bunch-up of services (A Piccadilly-Altrincham and Eccles service). Bizarre!

Six months on and it appears people are still unaware of the existence of the Chorlton line.

Whenever a St Werburgh's Road tram approaches Victoria inbound, there's always the unmistakeable sound of confusion amongst almost everyone on the platform. You hear some people asking "Where the f**k is that?" and others saying "Is that an Eccles tram?", and it's actually amazing how many of these people board the tram anyway, in hope that it'll take them to where they want to go (usually Altrincham).

It's the same with the MediaCityUK service. Several people board that expecting it to go all the way to Eccles! :bash:

Another thing while I'm at it. Was at Altrincham on a Bury tram last week that was having to terminate at DC due to the demonstrations, and overheard the driver advising people to walk from DC to Piccadilly Gardens and board a Bury tram! Surely it would've been better advice to tell them to take the Metroshuttle from DC straight to Victoria?

The modern world confuses the mind.

Six months on and it appears people are still unaware of the existence of the Chorlton line.

Whenever a St Werburgh's Road tram approaches Victoria inbound, there's always the unmistakeable sound of confusion amongst almost everyone on the platform. You hear some people asking "Where the f**k is that?" and others saying "Is that an Eccles tram?", and it's actually amazing how many of these people board the tram anyway, in hope that it'll take them to where they want to go (usually Altrincham).

It's the same with the MediaCityUK service. Several people board that expecting it to go all the way to Eccles! :bash:

Another thing while I'm at it. Was at Altrincham on a Bury tram last week that was having to terminate at DC due to the demonstrations, and overheard the driver advising people to walk from DC to Piccadilly Gardens and board a Bury tram! Surely it would've been better advice to tell them to take the Metroshuttle from DC straight to Victoria?

The modern world confuses the mind.

Also when a tram approaches victoria from the sml line u really can see how many people actually read the destination board. Many a time i have got off at vic and people try to board expecting to go towards bury, it happens even when the tram displays not in service. I even overheard 1 guy say "what f#%k is that about not in service, there taking the p#%s". I kid ye not

Six months on and it appears people are still unaware of the existence of the Chorlton line.

Whenever a St Werburgh's Road tram approaches Victoria inbound, there's always the unmistakeable sound of confusion amongst almost everyone on the platform. You hear some people asking "Where the f**k is that?" .

It's mainly because in the city centre, most people will know where Chorlton is, but only a very few people can be expected to know where St Werburgh's Road is off hand. And when this obscurely named tram is already entering the platform, there isn't much time to go running to the map to suss it out, so people get flustered.

They should have used a destination mentioning Chorlton, but wouldn't be told by any of us at the time!! Anyway, before too much longer it will be East Didsbury, so I guess that particular problem should disappear.

:cheers:

They should have used a destination mentioning Chorlton, but wouldn't be told by any of us at the time!! Anyway, before too much longer it will be East Didsbury, so I guess that particular problem should disappear.

:cheers:

Still can't believe Didsbury is more than a year and a half away from opening, and thats assuming no delays! I wish I were a more patient person I really do.

1003 is now the banner on the Metrolink website.

It's mainly because in the city centre, most people will know where Chorlton is, but only a very few people can be expected to know where St Werburgh's Road is off hand. And when this obscurely named tram is already entering the platform, there isn't much time to go running to the map to suss it out.

They should have used a destination mentioning Chorlton, but wouldn't be told by any of us at the time!! Anyway, before too much longer it will be East Didsbury, so I guess that particular problem should disappear.

:cheers:

You have a point, I still maintain the displays should read:

St Werburgh's Road
Via Chorlton

Stuck on a tram at stretford on an alti bound tram. Apparently a woman has collapsed. No announcement from the driver though.

Anyone travelling should expect delays!

Yes you are correct as a result of MC services being introduced from HCY onwards to PICC its effectively a six minute serviceHCY? I really don't get all these TLA's (shouldn't PICC be PIC? Why isn't it MAN?)

Harbour City I imagine. Not sure what the deal is with making up random abbreviations. Laziness perhaps.

You have a point, I still maintain the displays should read:

St Werburgh's Road
Via Chorlton

But St Werbughs Road is Chorlton!

But St Werbughs Road is Chorlton!

Aye but it goes via Chorlton stop, so would make sense.

Ah well they ain't gonna change it now! The public have until June 2013 to get used to it, then they won't have to see it anymore ;-)

Six months on and it appears people are still unaware of the existence of the Chorlton line.

Whenever a St Werburgh's Road tram approaches Victoria inbound, there's always the unmistakeable sound of confusion amongst almost everyone on the platform. You hear some people asking "Where the f**k is that?" and others saying "Is that an Eccles tram?", and it's actually amazing how many of these people board the tram anyway, in hope that it'll take them to where they want to go (usually Altrincham).


I must admit that the last time I was in Manchester, while waiting for a tram to Eccles, I was so puzzled about where the St Werburgh' Road tram was going that I got on it.

The Chorlton branch did not even appear on the tram map I had.

Were you amazed by St. Werburgh's Road when you got there? It's a bit like Manhattan, without the skyscrapers. And everything else.

Were you amazed by St. Werburgh's Road when you got there? It's a bit like Manhattan, without the skyscrapers. And everything else.

It was a bit of a culture shock.

I got out, had a look and got back on then tram to return to Cornbrook.

Aye but it goes via Chorlton stop, so would make sense.

Ah well they ain't gonna change it now! The public have until June 2013 to get used to it, then they won't have to see it anymore ;-)

Why not St Werburghs Road, Chorlton then?

Was on a Eccles via Mediacity service this afternoon, that didn't call at Mediacity due to congestion if the branch is congested at half three on a sunday, is avoiding MC a thing that happens often.

Also the driver of 1013 kept turning a knob just to the right of the cab radio about every 90 seconds, any ideas what that was for?

No.

Why not St Werburghs Road, Chorlton then?

That's not really much different from via Chorlton. Either would have worked for me.

Someone had written on the Manchester Evening Whine web site the other day that the St Werburgh's Road line was not doing as well as had been expected.

Can anyone say with authority whether this is true or not? (The complainer was probably either a highly knowledgable car driver or a NIMBY so I don't take their comments at face value.)

Someone had written on the Manchester Evening Whine web site the other day that the St Werburgh's Road line was not doing as well as had been expected.

Can anyone say with authority whether this is true or not? (The complainer was probably either a highly knowledgable car driver or a NIMBY so I don't take their comments at face value.)

It certainly isn't running as frequently as expected.

^^^ lol :-)

It's certainly not doing badly, many times I have seen the tram full after leaving Chorlton with standing room only.

I'm sure it will get busier once the 6 minute frequency happens (if they publicise it) and especially once it opens to Didsbury.

TfGM have been in the MEN saying it id exceeding expectations.

Hi

It don't good day for Metrolink.

13.39 No Service Between Piccadilly and Victoria

Metrolink Services

Due to a road traffic collision on High Street, there is currently no service operating between Piccadilly and Victoria station.

Due to an earlier road traffic collision near Langworthy stop, there are delays to services operating on the Eccles/MediaCityUK line

Metrolink would like to apologise for the inconvenience and delay this may cause.

A 12 minute service is operating on the South Manchester line between Piccadilly and St Werburgh's Road

...
It's certainly not doing badly, many times I have seen the tram full after leaving Chorlton with standing room only. ....


Not hard on a banana! Had my first (long overdue) ride in one this morning, looked very spacious, an illusion caused by there being very few seats!

Thought there was only something like 6 fewer seats?

Thought there was only something like 6 fewer seats?

http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/vehfact.html

T68 - 82 plus 4 pull down seats
M5000 - 52 plus 8 perch

Seems I was wrong as usual :)

24 less seats (though partly because you have to dedicate more space to wheelchairs/prams) standing capacity is 24 higher so theoretically exactly the same capacity of seating/standing combined.

Plus the layout is miles better at crush load - when I got a t68 to stretford in rush hour I made the mistake of sitting near the front and I nearly didn't make it off!!

Hi

It don't good day for Metrolink.

Worse still for drivers - it is up to 3 RTA's now

Due to an earlier road traffic collision on High Street, there are delays to services on the Bury and Altrincham lines.

Due to an earlier road traffic collision near Langworthy stop, there are delays to services operating on the Eccles/MediaCityUK line

Due to an earlier road traffic collision on High Street, there are delays to services on the South Manchester line between Victoria and St Werburgh's Road.

Worse still for drivers - it is up to 3 RTA's now

I think they've just repeated the same one twice :D

Bin looked on Twitter about Metrolink is it seen that is been horrible day for Metrolink system as Early this Morning the was broke down tram at Market Street, then near 12 ins a other Tram broke down near Whitefield, then car carsh into tram:ohno: on Eccles Line and then something happen on High Street. The tram that collided with a car didn't seen to bad.

http://yfrog.com/ki9c1voj

http://twitter.com/manc_metrolink

Woman injured in collision with tram on High Street in Manchester

A woman has been taken to hospital after being hit by a tram in the city centre.

The accident happened at around 1.30pm when she was crossing over the track on High Street near Victoria.

She is thought to have suffered minor injuries.

It caused delays to Bury and Altrincham lines and the South Manchester line between Victoria and St Werburgh's Road. and there were still some delays to services this afternoon.

There were also delays on the Eccles line after a separate collision between a tram and a car near Langworthy.

Passenger Tom Hillman tweeted a picture of a silver white Kia car which had damage to its front bumper and also damage to the side of the Metrolink tram.


http://www.metrolink.co.uk/todaysdisruptions/index.asp?id=25

I think they've just repeated the same one twice :D

I think they've just repeated the same one twice:colgate::colgate:

Today:

http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/Uploads1971/64cd049b.jpg

http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/Uploads1971/2164b774.jpg

http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/Uploads1971/08134551.jpg

Going to be fun for those who change at Cornbrook tomorrow in the gale force winds.

I do wonder given how much money it would cost, whether consideration has ever been given to making a larger wind shelter on that platform. Given the imprtance as an interchange it is terribly exposed to the elements.

Going to be fun for those who change at Cornbrook tomorrow in the gale force winds.

I do wonder given how much money it would cost, whether consideration has ever been given to making a larger wind shelter on that platform. Given the imprtance as an interchange it is terribly exposed to the elements.

Can't wait for that!

And I hope so!

Going to be fun for those who change at Cornbrook tomorrow in the gale force winds.

I do wonder given how much money it would cost, whether consideration has ever been given to making a larger wind shelter on that platform. Given the imprtance as an interchange it is terribly exposed to the elements.

It was pretty windy at Cornbrook this morning.
I'll just have to wedge myself next to the ticket machines... don't want to get blown away :lol:

Thanks for those pix marni. The three colour schemes are all fine in themselves, but make a terrible hotchpotch when all mixed together! - and I hope the all-over ad isn't a portent of things to come.

Amazing, though, how much bigger and taller/imposing the t68 looks in the new livery, by comparison. But the bespoke covers for the dellner couplers I think are too large/protuberant to look good in yellow - black would be better, causing them to recede from the eye.

Time to do them all in yellow & uplift the image of Metrolink as a whole. I've always been fond of the turquoise but all good things come to an end. :cucumber:

ooh just noticed my post count - looking back up the page martin & apologies are catching me up but we are both a long way behind catsy!

Aaaargh why do I ever read the comments on MEN articles!!!

On the one about the recent pedestrian-tram collision most people thank God are being sensible but one idiot wrote:

Do these tram drivers have any awareness at all?

It's okay though, as long as they sound their horn then that makes it alright for them to go ploughing through packed streets.

I laugh at these comments sometimes - these people never seem to switch their brains on before posting their drivel. At least the straight jackets have been loosened enough to let them type their message.

Plenty of orange jackets around the new depot entrance and down the line towards firswood at about 1.45 this afternoon

There was also a van with loads of blokes in high - vis jackets at the SML / depot gate about 2:30pm today.

On my way home and just seen a signal i haven't noticed before just before the gates to the new depot, it was the dot type signal same as the new one at market street towards picc. It was showing a path towards trafford bar but the old style block signal is still being used too.

If it was orange its just a points indicator. They don't actually interface with tms, just the way the points are set.

The actual TMS signals are white leds

If it was orange its just a points indicator. They don't actually interface with tms, just the way the points are set.

The actual TMS signals are white leds



Yeah it was orange, never noticed it before so thought i would mention it, knew someone on here would know if it was important or not. Thanks for the info.

Yeah it was orange, never noticed it before so thought i would mention it, knew someone on here would know if it was important or not. Thanks for the info.

Oh so it was actually switched on with the cover removed?

Oh so it was actually switched on with the cover removed?

Has it not been like that for quite a while now..? I thought it had?


If anyone wants to be involved in Metrolink's signalling issues, why not apply for one of two temporary S&T technician positions!

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/recruitment/Vacancy.aspx?JobVacancyID=7

Purpose of role
To carry out the first time maintenance and fault finding on the S&T equipment of the Metrolink system in a safe and cost effective manner.
Key responsibilities
Person specification
Essential Skills
S&T Technicians are responsible for the performance of preventative and corrective maintenance on the Signalling infrastructure including but not limited to:

• SCADA and Control Systems
• Telecommunications and transmission systems
• CCTV
• Passenger Information Systems
• Radio in accordance with current standards and specifications


Go on... you know you want to :)

Has it not been like that for quite a while now..? I thought it had?



I'm not 100% on which one he was talking about...

I'm not 100% on which one he was talking about...

The one i noticed was immediatly before the gates to enter the trafford depot from the chorlton line heading into the city center. It was showing a path in orange lights that indicated a path towards trafford bar, i am pretty sure i have not seen it lit up before as when i pass the depot i look at all the trams sat there doing nothing and wish they could all be in service, (i have also noticed during these stares out of the window that 3037 has a small panel missing on its lower right corner).

Oh so it was actually switched on with the cover removed?

yes its just a points position indicator that has now been commissioned.:banana:

Dane Road this morning was a death trap.

The entrance and platform were very icy and incredibly slippy.

Trams broken down at cornbrook so my service from eccles has terminated at mcuk. Anyone know if traams are running on alty line?

Their website says the failed tram is at Pomona so all other lines are running as normal.

The website now says "due to an earlier failed tram AND a signal fault" there are delays. 3 Altrincham trams have gone thru Market Street without a St. Werburgh's Road one :-(

Do the Metrolink trams start running earlier than scheduled? We were hanging around town this morning waiting for the Metrolink to start instead paying a fortune on taxis.

I was very surprised to see an Eccles tram running at 5:05am and a Chorlton one soon followed.

I was at Dane Road early this morning. The first tram to town was the correct 6:08.

You may have seen ice breakers after what happened time we had frost.

Do the Metrolink trams start running earlier than scheduled? We were hanging around town this morning waiting for the Metrolink to start instead paying a fortune on taxis.

I was very surprised to see an Eccles tram running at 5:05am and a Chorlton one soon followed.

The first one from Victoria to eccles on saturdays is at 0515, the first one to Chorlton is 0528, and the first one to Altrincham is 0523 Joydiv!

Their website says the failed tram is at Pomona so all other lines are running as normal.

Thanks Martin. It was just the driver said that the tram had failed at Cornbrook, so I thought that we would be totally and utterly screwed! We ended up walking from MediaCity to Trafford Bar (in the rain, my hair was ruined I was devastated!) and some kind Man U supporters were able to guide us in the right direction, so we got there in the end.

1001+1003 paired today. Still looks odd...

.........We ended up walking from MediaCity to Trafford Bar (in the rain, my hair was ruined I was devastated) ...........

Looking at the self portrait in your sig pic, it looks pretty ruined to start with!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/avatars/Bert.gif

:storm::storm::storm:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Hahaha very funny! You'll be pleased to know I have a parting ;)

Their website says the failed tram is at Pomona so all other lines are running as normal.

Yeah it failed on the Pomona viaduct. I was at Cornbrook waiting for it when it happened :lol:
...ended up missing my train from Picc though because the next tram took 5 mins to arrive (and it was a Victoria one) :(

Looks like the ice on the overhead could be back, Metrolink website displaying "Due to earlier failed trams"....

Looks like the ice on the overhead could be back, Metrolink website displaying "Due to earlier failed trams"....

They never learn do they? F*cking hopeless.

Metrolink control aren't awake. Announcement made about the next tram to be a double to Bury. 1017 rolls in on it's tod.... I remember why I don't travel at this time anymore....

They never learn do they? F*cking hopeless.

For those technically minded who know such things.

What can reliably be done by RATP to reduce the chances of ice on the over head when the temp is hovering around 0 degrees?

There was an atricle in Tramways and Urban Transit last year (I think) describing the problem that is quite unique to the UK in terms of light rail.

Whereas most places either never see freezing temperatures or tend to have seriously sub zero temps we in the UK are prone to temps hovering around 0 degrees which is ideal for ice build up on the lines as the moisture content of the atmosphere tends to be just right for significant ice build up.

I seem to remember that even running trains through the night would not be enough it the temp is hovering around 0 degrees when there is a lot of moisture in the atmosphere - especially in the depots.

Metrolink control aren't awake. Announcement made about the next tram to be a double to Bury. 1017 rolls in on it's tod.... I remember why I don't travel at this time anymore....

Probably better for them to make no announcement then???

*stating the obvious* Well, these are metal wires, which can conduct heat, is there any way they can be heated up?!

Probably better for them to make no announcement then???

I think the point is, if they are going to make announcements they should at least be accurate.

I think the point is, if they are going to make announcements they should at least be accurate.

and my point is if they make no announcements then this issue would not arise and no one would care.

*stating the obvious* Well, these are metal wires, which can conduct heat, is there any way they can be heated up?!

Presumably chucking a high current through but I don't know about the technicalities hence asking one of the experts on here what their opinion is.

and my point is if they make no announcements then this issue would not arise and no one would care.

People would care because they would be waiting at Sale Station for longer than 6 minutes in peak time in the freezing cold without an accurate announcement of what is going on and when their next tram will arrive.

Yes, but clearly they do not have accurate information to give so what is best, no announcement or incorrect announcement?

and my point is if they make no announcements then this issue would not arise and no one would care.

The point is don't say theres a double tram coming, then a single turns up. If your are going to announce something make sure its correct otherwise you look more useless than you already are.

Doesn't take one of those experts who might cry at night to work that out.

Yes, but clearly they do not have accurate information to give so what is best, no announcement or incorrect announcement?

.... why would they say theres a double unit coming then? Did they just guess and make it up?

You come out with some proper odd stuff.

I think its better they keep their gob shut than speaking bo****ks (An announcement so fundamentally wrong is worse than useless) Don't you agree cats?

I think its better they keep their gob shut than speaking bo****ks (An announcement so fundamentally wrong is worse than useless) Don't you agree cats?

My point exactly.

If you cannot be 100% confident in the information you are going to give your customers simply don't give it at all.

The example above is a clear case of the customers being over sold a services and the supplier under delivering. There is nothing worse in customer services.

Customer are much more willing to accept under delivery if they had never been promised anything, the example above is even worse as the single tram tht turned up is the standard offering from the suppliers.

They are probably best not trying to make such announcements until a time that they have certain information to give and that is probably dependant upon our good old friend of TMS.

Drivers are being very good announcing/apologising for delays today.

Don't know if anything has been posted in this thread (full details in the General Transport thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86640417&postcount=3051))but anyone who uses the day tickets for trains and trams will see fares going up in January. The DaySaver for train & tram goes up from £6.90 to £7.20, while the DaySaver for bus, train & tram goes up from £7.50 to £8 from January 2nd 2012.

http://www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk/events/news/important-info-christmas-travel

Presumably chucking a high current through but I don't know about the technicalities hence asking one of the experts on here what their opinion is.

On 3rd rail they can add a heating strip which is essentially like a toaster filament which heats the rest of the rail, wouldnt be practical on an overhead wire though. Really they only have two options, the overnight running to physically dislodge ice and prevent buildup or regular spraying with a deicing solution (which wouldnt work if it was raining) but then rain itself is good at getting rid of ice.

Presumably chucking a high current through but I don't know about the technicalities hence asking one of the experts on here what their opinion is.

There is a system available for trace heating the contact wire at key locations. Someone posted a link on here a while ago. I suggested at the time they should forward the link to TfGM, I obviously don't know whether they did but I did and got a response indicating that someone would be tasked to look in to it's feasibility. I realise that it will take a while to organise a trial so it may be next winter before any results are known.

People would care because they would be waiting at Sale Station for longer than 6 minutes in peak time in the freezing cold without an accurate announcement of what is going on and when their next tram will arrive.

They are getting better at it though, they were telling people at Mosley street which tram would be next and in how long yesterday quite routinely...

Don't know if anything has been posted in this thread (full details in the General Transport thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=86640417&postcount=3051))but anyone who uses the day tickets for trains and trams will see fares going up in January. The DaySaver for train & tram goes up from £6.90 to £7.20, while the DaySaver for bus, train & tram goes up from £7.50 to £8 from January 2nd 2012.

http://www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk/events/news/important-info-christmas-travel

Hi

Thanks for SF07, do anyone know how much the bus & tram ticket will cost from Jan 2nd?

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/news/index.asp?id=500 Metrolink date update.

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/news/index.asp?id=500 Metrolink date update.

Child fares will have been frozen since 2007 and the price of family tickets will have been frozen since 2008.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't child fares rise in January this year?

You thinking of the bus fares where it changed from flat rate to half adult ticket.

You thinking of the bus fares where it changed from flat rate to half adult ticket.

No, I'm quite sure they rose by about 10p or something silly like that.

No, I'm quite sure they rose by about 10p or something silly like that.

I am pretty sure TfGM would not mislead people in such a way.it would be relatively easy for media groups to dig out any reports from last year which had the details in.

Yes, but clearly they do not have accurate information to give so what is best, no announcement or incorrect announcement?

PA`s should ALWAYS be well delivered ie clear, grammatically correct, concise, and accurate, other wise there is no point in making them, and can actually make the Co,or individual appear unprofessional.

PA`s should ALWAYS be well delivered ie clear, grammatically correct, concise, and accurate, other wise there is no point in making them, and can actually make the Co,or individual appear unprofessional.

I agree 100%.

This remains at £6.30 from 2nd January 2012.

Frankfurt has just ordered another 78 Flexity Swifts (along with 12 low floor Flexity Classics). Guess this means we dont have to worry about Metrolinks order being the last and them going out of production for a while yet.

This remains at £6.30 from 2nd January 2012.

Hi

Thanks for that Rail Ranger, that is good news for me then:)

Does anyone know when the last Destination blind was replaced with the Dot Matrix and what unit it was on?

Sorry, don't know that Larry (sometime this year), but here's one belonging to a friend of mine :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/zmiscellany/101_1521.jpg

:banana:

that's very sad :lol:

There's been a fatality at SPS. Alti and Eccles trams turning at GMEX. On the last trams of the day just now so some will probably be stabled at Old traf for the night no doubt.