[hstudent]

When the Metrolink was introduced to Manchester two train lines were closed to facilitate the running of trams. These were Altrincham to Manchester via Sale and Manchester to Rawtenstall via Bury. This has meant that people in places such as Sale and Bury don’t have a National Rail service. This in turn means that if people from these places want to go somewhere outside of Greater Manchester on a train then they would have to buy a tram ticket and a train ticket. Combined tickets are available to/from rail stations within Greater Manchester but railcard discounts are not available on these.

The Bury to Rawtenstall line has now become a tourist line with a steam train running on it. Regular buses run from Manchester city centre to Rawtenstall. Trains from Altrincham to Manchester (which originate from Chester or Northwich) have been diverted via Stockport and take about 10 minutes longer.

The Metrolink cannot cope with large suitcases or bicycles. Food and drink cannot be consumed on the Metrolink and there are no toilet facilities on the Metrolink or at most Metrolink stops.

The only real advantage of the Metrolink is that it allows people to get off closer to where they want to be in Manchester city centre.

The following proposals have now been made:

Running trams to the airport.
This may allow people to get closer to a hotel in Manchester that they will be staying at or to a location for a business meeting. However, the lack of luggage space could cause a problem.

Extending the tramline to the east side of Manchester.
Apparently this was done on a temporary basis during the Commonwealth Games using old American trams. I don’t know anything about the success of this or if it would involve closing any train lines.

Running tram-trains from Manchester City Centre to Northwich, Chester or Crewe.
This would re-link Sale to the National Rail network and allow faster journeys between Altrincham and Manchester. I personally would like to see this happen provided they use Manchester Piccadilly as the terminus rather than Deansgate G-Mex as it would allow better interchange within Manchester.

What do people think of the Metrolink in general and these proposals?