Metrolink’s original trams come to the end of the line

Metrolink’s original trams come to the end of the line

The last of Metrolink’s original trams will be retired early in the New Year – a key milestone in a near £200 million pound investment in the network’s fleet.

Twenty six of the distinctive aquamarine branded T68 trams served the original Altrincham to Bury network, which opened in 1992. A further six T68s arrived in 2000 to serve the extension to Eccles.

Then, in 2009, the first of Metrolink’s next generation of trams – Bombardier’s M5000 Flexity Swift model – entered service.

It was the first of 62 brand new trams ordered to serve network extensions to MediaCityUK, Chorlton, Oldham, Droylsden, Rochdale, Ashton, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe.

The network’s new M5000s have since proven to be significantly more reliable than the T68s – and in 2012 the decision was made to replace all 32 with the new model.

By late 2013, 68 trams were required for service on weekdays – and 60 or more were M5000s. In December, Metrolink was for the first time in its history able to operate 19 double trams.

The number of vehicle faults affecting services has dropped directly in line with the phased retirement of the T68s, and this process will soon be complete.

That means Metrolink’s entire fleet will soon be made up entirely of efficient, modern trams that are setting new European standards, befitting the largest overground light rail network in the country.

Metrolink will be marking the retirement of the last T68 in the near future.