Tram times set to be extended

Metrolink trams will be extended to run until midnight six days a week from next week, Transport for Greater Manchester has announced. 

From Monday 24 August, services will be running for an extra hour until midnight from Monday to Saturday, while the last tram services on a Sunday will be extended from 10pm to 11pm.

In addition, the frequency of tram services on Sundays will increase to one every 15 minutes between 7am and 11pm. Transport bosses say this will "reflect the increased demand on services". 

Metrolink services will now be operating at a 10-minute frequency across all lines between 6am and 7pm Monday to Friday and every 20 minutes until midnight. A 10-minute frequency will be in place 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and then every 20 minutes until midnight. On Sundays, a 15-minute service will run throughout the day from 7am until 11pm.

Alex Cropper, TfGM's Head of Operations, said: "These changes will make it easier for people to get around the city-region, especially later at night. We are now seeing an increased demand, so we’re extending the running times and the frequency of services, as well as ensuring that we’re operating as many double services as we can across the network.

"We are working hard with our partners to ensure cleaning standards remain as high as possible, but we would also remind passengers it is essential they wear a mask and watch their distance when using public transport. It is also sensible to continue to allow extra time for journeys." 

It follows the latest increase on 8 August, when the 10-minute tram frequency was increased from 6pm to 8pm to support increased demand following the return of leisure and hospitality venues across Greater Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester say it is working closely with Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) to ensure that the network is "as safe, clean and reliable as possible".

It is advising passengers to plan ahead and avoid travelling at peak times where people can to help maintain social distancing.

For more information on Metrolink services, visit www.tfgm.com, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel updates.