Tram services set to reduce temporarily due to 'pingdemic' absences

A temporary reduced timetable will be in place from Friday 6 August

Metrolink have announced a reduction in services, after self-isolation rules and Covid infections have resulted in staff absences.

The company say they want to ensure Metrolink can provide a reliable and consistent service for customers, and a temporary reduced timetable will be in place from Friday 6 August.

Daily delays have been occurring across the network because staff are either off with coronavirus, or self-isolating.

The temporary change will see trams run every 12-minutes across the network, with all available vehicles used to provide as much capacity as possible and ‘double’ trams operating along the busiest lines. Where possible, and subject to staff availability, additional services will run at the busiest times.

It is expected that the reduced service will be in place throughout August, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) is working towards the reintroduction of more frequent services ahead of the return to school and the workplace in early September.

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.”

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