Trams feel the Arctic blast

Ageing Italian trams — some of which will come to Oldham when the Metrolink extension is complete — are suffering from the effects of Arctic weather conditions.

Ice and snow had already affected overhead lines, tracks and points. Now, the vehicles, which were first used to open the network in 1992, have suffered damage with some parts needing attention.

As a result, bosses have had to halve the frequency to a 12-minute service on the original Altrincham and Bury lines, though a normal service is operating on the newer Eccles line.

Metrolink director Philip Purdy said: “Temperatures as low as -15C have never been experienced for such a long period.

“The extreme temperatures and excessive snow have caused damage to the trams’ traction equipment, which now needs replacing or refurbishing.”

Trams are operating before passenger service begins each morning to keep the tracks and overhead lines free of ice.

When the current spell of snow and ice is over, a review will be carried out with a view to putting any lessons learned into practice for future cold snaps.