Metrolink Bury line service remains suspended

There were chaotic scenes on some parts of the Metrolink network last night

Metrolink services remain suspended on the Bury line today following a night of chaos due to overhead line damage on two different sections of track.

There was widespread travel disruption on the tram network last night.

The damage means the Bury line has been suspended since 2.30pm yesterday, while services between Deansgate Castlefield and Cornbrook were also delayed.

This morning the Bury line remains suspended between Bury and Queens Road due to the overhead line problems at Radcliffe.

Services are still operating from Queens Road to Altrincham and Piccadilly.

At the height's of last night's problems, Rochdale via Oldham and Ashton trains to and from Rochdale were forced to run via Exchange Square.

Transport for Greater Manchester said engineers are working to fix the damaged lines, near to Radcliffe, and services could be affected until lunchtime.

A statement said: “Technicians are working to repair both cases of damage to the lines. However, it is unlikely that services on the Bury line will run as normal until midday at the earliest."

Last night desperate commuters jumped off stricken trams and walked home along tracks during the transport chaos.

One passenger on board a tram stuck at Cornbrook for more than an hour said commuters prised open doors to escape and another told how a driver ‘reluctantly’ opened doors because a woman was desperate for the toilet, leading to dozens of passengers jumping free.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester’s mayor, apologised and described the situation as ‘not good enough’.

He said he’s asked Metrolink for an urgent report.