Metrolink opening dates are off track

WORK progresses on the Metrolink in Oldham

CHALLENGES of a new tram computer system have led to yet more delays for the opening of Oldham’s Metrolink.

The new Tram Management System (TMS), can electronically map tram positions and automatically control points and signals.

But it caused severe disruption after it underwent trials at Media City last September.

Now the line to Oldham Mumps, which was due to open in March, 2012, will be open even later than planned next year, according to a report considered by Transport for Greater Manchester.

A report to update the situation will be presented to TfGM in January.

Ultimately, all the lines will be controlled by the new system, which will allow more trams to run on the network, as well as giving drivers and controllers the ability to manage vehicle schedules. But transport chiefs some months ago said that the first stage of the Oldham line to Central Park, which had been due in spring, was being put back until winter and the second phase to Oldham Mumps was being delayed from autumn until next spring.

The Central Park stage is not now expected to open until the Oldham Mumps stage opens — and transport officials are assessing whether that will be also be put back.

A two or three month delay may arise on the already-delayed Rochdale extension.

Philip Purdy, TfGM’s Metrolink director, said: “The new operating system is a fundamental part of the expansion: ultimately, we simply cannot have one without the other.

“The first stage of introducing the new system is to integrate the new with the old in a way that has the least impact on existing services.

“We are currently assessing the implications this has for when we can start running to Central Park and Oldham Mumps, which are the next sections in line to open, but we will open them together.

“We share the frustrations of people waiting patiently to use the services, especially as construction of the new lines is going well.

“However, this is about the safe operation of a network that will be three times the size it is now, so we cannot cut any corners.”