Temporary changes to Metrolink services due to rail supply issue

Manchester passengers are being warned that temporary changes are being introduced across some Metrolink services, after planned engineering works hit delays.

Works to replace a damaged rail in Piccadilly Gardens were scheduled to start next week but have been delayed until November due to unforeseen issues with the supply of the rail.

Due to concerns about the safe running of the service around the damaged section of rail, several precautionary route changes are being introduced from Monday, 24 October.

Passengers on all lines wanting to travel to the city centre will still be able to do so, and there are alternative travel options in place for those who want to make cross-city journeys on affected routes, these include alternative tram services, bus replacements and walking routes. Metrolink staff will be on hand at all affected stops to help guide customers to the best route for their journey, but passengers are advised to plan ahead wherever possible and allow extra time when making connecting journeys.  

The temporary service changes are as follows:

• Bury and Altrincham services will not operate into Piccadilly Station: Instead, these services will operate from Bury to Altrincham via Market Street. These will run at a 6-minute frequency from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6.30pm on Saturdays. Outside of these times, services will operate every 12 minutes.
• Ashton services will operate to Crumpsall via Victoria Station: These will run at a 12-minute frequency at all times. Passengers on the Bury and Altrincham lines will be able to connect to this service to travel to Piccadilly Station.
• Eccles services will operate to Deansgate-Castlefield: These will run at a 12-minute frequency at all times. As there will not be a direct connection between Piccadilly Station and Deansgate-Castlefield, a Metrolink replacement bus service will operate. Rail services between Piccadilly Station and Deansgate-Castlefield stations can also be used for this connection.

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s head of Metrolink, said: “These are unforeseen circumstances which are outside of our control, and I want to apologise for any inconvenience this causes to our customers.

“We will be doing everything we can to minimise disruptions to journeys and staff will be available at all affected stops to provide travel advice.”

For more information on the temporary service changes, including information on walking routes between affected stops, visit TfGM’s dedicated webpage

Image credit: TfGM

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