Metrolink passengers are being warned that a temporary reduced timetable will be in place from Friday (6 August) and is expected to remain throughout August. 

It will see trams run every 12 minutes across the network, with 'double' trams operating only on the busiest lines. 

Transport bosses say additional services will run at the busiest times "where possible and subject to staff availability". 

Transport for Greater Manchester say it's due to coronavirus-related staff absences and "to ensure Metrolink can provide a more reliable and consistent service for customers". 

Delays and cancellations have been occurring every day across the network for several weeks because staff are either off with Covid-19 or self-isolating. 

TfGM bosses say staff for the operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) are "continuing to work extremely hard, in very challenging circumstances, to keep people moving". 

TfGM and KAM are "working towards" the reintroduction of more frequent services ahead of the return to school and the workplace in early September, they add. 

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “I think everyone is aware that the ‘pingdemic’ is having a significant impact across multiple sectors, including transport.

“We have been working really hard to keep people moving, but the reality is staff absences are impacting services.   

“Moving to a temporary 12-minute frequency will ensure we can operate a more reliable service and alleviate some of the pressure staff are under, which is extremely important for their own wellbeing.

“I’d like to reassure passengers we will add extra trams where we can and will be aiming to return to a more frequent service at the start of September. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but hope that our customers understand and bear with us at this time.”