Metrolink patronage and therefore revenue is unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels for several years according to a report that has been submitted to Greater Manchester’s Transport Committee.
The report written by Metrolink boss Danny Vaughan predicts that the total shortfall of revenue for 2020/21 is forecast to be circa £64m despite various Central Government cash interventions
Usage decreased to approximately 5% of pre COVID levels during the first lockdown of
the pandemic.It increased again as schools, colleges and universities returned following the
summer holidays, but began to fall again from 21 September, as Greater Manchester
entered tier 2 then tier 3 restrictions, and curfews were placed upon the hospitality sector.
Customer usage fell week commencing 26 October to 30% of pre-COVID average, affected in part by GM schools’ half term holidays, the closure of licensed premises (not serving meals) and a week of inclement weather.
A national lockdown was announced on 31 October covering the period from 4 November
to 2 December where leisure facilities and hospitality sectors closed in full.
Pre-Christmas, Tier 4 restrictions were introduced followed by a national lockdown from
the 5 January. Patronage is currently averaging 15% of pre-COVID levels.
The report also looks at other aspects of the network.On average, 181 incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour per month were reported to Metrolink across the duration of the year.
Recorded incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour on the network remain lower than
those recorded in 2019. Criminal damage has escalated across the network through
November and December affecting platform shelters, TVMs, ticket validators, saloon
windows, tram seats and cycle hubs. This correlates to second lockdown, the lead up to
the festive period, bonfire/halloween events and school holidays.
The hot spot for ASB remains Manchester City Centre. The top five hot spot areas are
Victoria, Cornbrook, St Peter’s Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly undercroft.
