Ice on the overhead line stops Metrolink in its tracks!

Rochdale Metrolink

The head of Greater Manchester's tram service has apologised after some services were suspended on the Rochdale line when overhead power lines froze.

Peter Cushing, Director of Metrolink, said ice-breaker trams ran overnight to clear frost from lines but it "re-formed on parts of the network".

Several commuters said it was the latest in a series of problems and called for Mr Cushing to resign.

He said: "If it was going to solve the problems I would do it, but it isn't".

Metrolink was also criticised for failing to keep passengers informed at stations and on trams.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said ice caused delays to services and a suspension on the service between Oldham Mumps and Rochdale.

In a statement, it added: "These were unusual circumstances and a number of other operators including rail service providers also experienced delays.

"Technicians were dispatched immediately and the line was cleared as quickly as possible, but there were some knock on delays as a result. We apologise for this and we are taking steps to address this issue.

"We are trialling a new Teflon-based coating on the overhead lines this week which has the potential to reduce icing issues and if successful will be applied across the network. We are also speaking with the tram manufacturers to see if we can further improve their tolerances to voltage fluctuations in icy conditions."