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   645 complaints over Metrolink misery
by Rob Jones
Over 600 people complained following two weeks of delays and cancellations which dogged the Metrolink tram system, we can reveal. Metrolink users have reacted angrily to the constant disruptions to their journey, with many packed on overcrowded trams or simply stranded, unsure how late they would get to work or whether they would be able to get home. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) told SalfordOnline that the problem stemmed from three broken down trams all involving older vehicles from the fleet. With 32 trams of the old fleet still in service, it is understood travel bosses are reviewing the timescale to replace these trams to the newer M5000 model. Frustrated commuters vented their anger at the service on Twitter, branding the two week-long disruption "an utter shambles" and "a complete joke". Ben Poole who commutes to MediaCity all the way from London said of the Metrolink: “the tram to Media City is the weak link in that journey!”. Nat Dodman writes: "#metrolink couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery, taken two hours to get home, should take 1/2 hr, fairs up, service down." Other Twitter users have even decided to give up on the tram altogether, preferring a scooter "after only 45 days of struggling with #metrolink". Lindsay Carr told SalfordOnline she'd never been motivated to complain until last night. In a letter to Metrolink she writes: "I sincerely hope Metrolink can improve their service and manage to update commuters in a more helpful, less patronising manner. The failure of your services have a very real impact on the everyday lives of many hard working people. The commuter spoke of how “uncomfortable” she was after being left with an “un-safe feeling” from being stranded alone in the dark on Metrolink platforms. Mrs Carr also aired the displeasure of other Metrolink travellers worries of the recently inflated tickets. She added: "I no longer trust the service and I now make sure I carry spare cash in case I have to pay for a bus or taxi, which is ridiculous given I have already forked out for what is a fairly expensive season ticket." A spokesperson for TfGM also said they still do not know what caused the point failures stating their technical team are investigating “as a matter of urgency”. Metrolink face a £1.4bn expansion with lines being developed through Oldham and on to Rochdale, to Ashton-under-Lyne via Droylsden, from the Chorlton line to East Didsbury, and to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe. Yet with these plans afoot some commuters are calling for them to be scaled back and are also planning a protest in an attempt to improve current lines. Dave Hollis writes: "[The] Last fortnight has been a complete joke. We need solid investment in existing infrastructure and vehicles, soon." TfGM commented that the expansion will bring “new vehicles” and would help allow “the system to run more efficiently. THey added: “The new system will also provide real-time information to be delivered to Passenger Information Displays on every stop, which will enable passengers to be informed of the next tram destination and time of its arrival.” Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
