We need more double trams - Council leader weighs in following commuter chaos

As more people have started returning to offices and pupils are back at school, it appears social distancing has become almost non-existent on the Metrolink, particularly on the Oldham line.

One commuter told us that he's been late to the office on more than one occasion because he waits longer to get on a tram with a double carriage rather than get on a crowded single one.

He said: "I'd say I definitely feel unsafe on the trams compared to using a train which I've had to use a couple of times over lockdown.

"The particular problem on trams seems to be when it's younger people getting on because they tend to group together a bit more which makes it quite busy 

"If you're sat down, you're sat down and you've just got to hope that someone else doesn't sit next to you because you don't want to get in an uncomfortable situation."

Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding has since written to Transport for Greater Manchester asking to work together to come up with a solution to the overcrowding. 

He said: "The Metrolink Network is relied upon by thousands of Oldham residents.

"Compared to the national average, Oldham has a disproportionate number of workers who have no alternative but to attend their workplace, and for many of them Metrolink is the only viable option.

"It is deeply concerning that while people do everything possible to maintain social distance and good hygiene habits at work and at home, they may still risk catching and spreading the virus because single trams lead to overcrowding."

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “We are using all the trams available to us and running as many doubles as possible across the network. 

“Unfortunately, it is not possible to run every service as a double or have our entire fleet on the network at any one time. 

“In addition to regular maintenance, the available fleet is reduced when vehicles are removed from service due to damage and periods when enhanced maintenance is required.

“Services are busier than they have been for some time, but I’d like to reassure passengers we are targeting capacity where it is needed most and will continue to do so.

“We’ve all got a part to play to limit the spread of the virus and we are working hard with the operator to ensure everyone can travel safely.

"As well as running as many trams as possible, we have a thorough cleaning regime in place, have installed hand sanitiser at interchange stations and have information across the entire network reminding people of the latest safety advice.

“For their part, I cannot emphasise enough to passengers the importance of wearing a face covering – unless exempt – carrying hand sanitiser and thinking about how and when they travel.” 

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