apk55
Member
BBC news report on the opening
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51801265
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51801265
Metrolink has effectively been on a 10-year rolling programme of extension, using the same set of contractors all the way through, so most of the surprises that might happen have already been faced on earlier routes. This is very different from some other rail schemes we can think of!Brilliant!
There's a P&R at the Parkway (which should possibly be "Park Way") stop.The TC doesn't open until 1000 and IIRC their car parks aren't open first thing in the morning, so it will be of limited use to '9 to 5' commuters.
Metrolink has effectively been on a 10-year rolling programme of extension, using the same set of contractors all the way through, so most of the surprises that might happen have already been faced on earlier routes. This is very different from some other rail schemes we can think of!
Unfortunately TfGM doesn't have any more shovel-ready schemes, so that will presumably now come to an end although the contractor will still have a role in maintenance.
They have a funding application for extending the Airport Line to Terminal 2 waiting for a decision. It is covered by the original TWAO for the line. Its a small project though!
I was quite annoyed at having to pay the "Nurofen tax" for a packet of ibuprofen because all the own brand ones had gone. I only wanted one, and only because I had run out.
They have a funding application for extending the Airport Line to Terminal 2 waiting for a decision. It is covered by the original TWAO for the line. Its a small project though!
Those would be the obvious next steps, although completing the loop may need a firmer commitment by the Government and TfN that HS2 will actually pass through the area as planned. But it's doubtful they will happen soon enough to keep the rolling programme, er, rolling.And completing the loop (via the HS2 station)?
I think that will wait until HS2 phase two gets its TWAO and be built co-terminus with the new HS2 Station. Although I and a number of other doddery members of this forum might appreciate a short extension from Roundthorn to Wythenshawe Hospital. The next thing that is likely to appear is the Stockport extension from East Didsbury. Construction of the new interchange is due to start in 2021 with completion by 2024. https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/stockport-confirms-team-for-120m-interchange/ With a good tail wind extending the tram route by 2025 is ambitious but achievable.And completing the loop (via the HS2 station)?
Metrolink has effectively been on a 10-year rolling programme of extension, using the same set of contractors all the way through, so most of the surprises that might happen have already been faced on earlier routes. This is very different from some other rail schemes we can think of!
They tend to use the P&R sites as bases during the construction of everything else, so by definition they're pretty much the last things to be finished.The Park and Ride planned for Parkway isn't yet finished, seems to be about the last act of the project, I'm not sure if it will be ready by the 22nd March, when I last went by late last week it was still a long way from being completed.
Media City none at all
No sane person would go out of their way to park at the Trafford Centre. That Motorway junction on its good days resembles the M25.
Barton Square opens at 09:30.
Event City can have events from 09:00 as well.
I think the secondary market would be Trafford Park commuters. Industrial estates have very varied shift times which may be useful for the service.
On the whole though, pre 08:30 could probably run at 20 minute intervals and have no issues. After that, ramping it upto 12 makes sense as all the leisure places start opening.
Oh, I agree from Crumpsall to Cornbrook but then, west will still be dead.Although, once operation to Crumpsall starts, the additional frequency will be useful for the peak flows inwards from there.
Perhaps I'm misreading how this may work, but once services on the Trafford Centre extension are running into the city centre, presumably the difference in line speeds will make it a much more attractive option for many heading towards MediaCityUK than the current MediaCItyUK line, possibly reducing the need for a standalone MediaCityUK Service?
I can see some heavy demand for the Trafford Park line on Saturdays before Christmas with all the shoppers
The owner of some of the UK's biggest shopping centres, Intu, has said there are doubts that it can survive unless it raises extra funds.
Its comments came as the firm - which owns Manchester's Trafford Centre and the Lakeside complex in Essex - reported a £2bn loss in 2019.
I hope they've paid up on their contribution to the route...https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51851791
Well, that would be fantastically ironic after waiting over two decades for a rail connection to the Trafford Centre...
I hope they've paid up on their contribution to the route...
Meanwhile the Intu Broadmarsh in Nottingham is half way through being re-built, and if they go under risks becoming a long-term eyesore on the way into the city from the station (where the council has just got a wad of funding to improve the "gateway").
Any idea what times the first trams will be on Sunday 22 March?
Hoping to be the first traveller at Pomona next week!