Due to the impact of Covid-19 on driver staffing levels, Metrolink services on the Eccles, Ashton and Manchester Airport lines will not be running after 5pm on New Year’s Eve.

Tram services will continue to run on the majority of lines until 1am on New Year’s Day, but Metrolink, along with many other public transport operators, has had to make some changes to maintain scheduled services for as many passengers as possible.

A replacement bus service will be in place for the Ashton line after 5pm, and Metrolink tickets can be used on commercial bus services until 7pm on the Eccles and Airport lines – when most bus services stop running. Further detailed travel advice is available on the TfGM website.

As such, on New Year’s Eve, the following services will now operate:

Altrincham line services will operate from 6am until 1am
Bury line services will operate from 6am until 1am
East Didsbury line services will operate from 6am until 1am
Rochdale line services will operate from 6am until 1am
Trafford Park line services will operate from 6am until 1am
Ashton line services will operate from 6am until 5pm, no tram services will operate after 5pm this line, but a bus replacement service will be running.
Airport line services will operate from 6am until 5pm, no services will operate after 5pm
Eccles line services will operate from 6am until 5pm, no services will operate after 5pm
Alex Cropper, Interim Head of Operations at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “I would like to reassure passengers that we are doing all that we can to maintain as many scheduled Metrolink services as possible – while at the same time dealing with the impact of Covid-19 on tram drivers and staff.

“We do absolutely recognise the impact these changes may have on some people’s journeys and I would like to apologise for any inconvenience they may cause. We are working closely with the tram operator KeolisAmey Metrolink and keeping a close eye on the situation to ensure our customer information channels are updated so people are aware of their journey options.

“I would urge people to plan their journeys in advance before they head out for the evening, allow extra time to travel and check the TfGM website for the latest information.”

Between 1 and 3 January there will also be planned improvement works taking place around Victoria Station tram stop – meaning no trams will run through Victoria.

That means the following Metrolink lines will be affected:

Bury line services will terminate at Abraham Moss
Rochdale Oldham services will terminate at Monsall
East Didsbury services will terminate at Exchange Square
Airport line services will terminate at Firswood
A replacement bus service will be operating on these to help people continue their journey. Signed pedestrian walking routes will also be in place and Customer Service Representatives will be at stops to direct passengers to the nearest replacement bus stop.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here