Dear Councillor Sykes,

RE: Metrolink Travel

Thank you for your recent correspondence in relation to the Metrolink network.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) recognises that many parts of the system would benefit from additional capacity and is constantly examining ways in which we could increase capacity on the Metrolink network, particularly during the peak periods.  We normally do this by doubling trams where possible.

We phase the doubles across the network to serve customers travelling in both directions between all Metrolink lines at the times of highest demand.

Three double trams have been operating on Rochdale services all day within the 12 minute service.

The opening of our Exchange Square Metrolink stop on 6 December means that the Rochdale line to Shaw and Crompton now benefits from an increased frequency which provides much more capacity than the 12 minute frequency previously deployed.

Feedback from our customers during the initial three weeks following the opening of Exchange Square has been positive and has indicated that our customers are enjoying a much more comfortable experience, particularly during peak times.

Earlier this year we received our 100th tram of the 120 ordered and as and when the remaining 20 trams arrive we will be in a position to increase the number of double trams and place them where demand is at its highest.

I hope you find this response helpful and if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Customer Services Manager, Sean Dyball via sean.dyball@tfgm.com

Yours sincerely

Peter Cushing

Metrolink Director