A red letter day for Redwood students

Metrolink officials take pupils and staff from Redwood School Sixth Form on a special travel training preview of Rochdale’s new town centre tram line

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Students at a pioneering secondary special school in Rochdale got a special preview of the town’s new Metrolink line today (Friday 28 March).

Metrolink has been working with Redwood School Sixth Form to help students prepare for the arrival of trams running into the town centre.

Ahead of Monday’s public launch, students were given a special preview of the new line and a presentation from Metrolink officers on using the wider tram network as part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s travel training initiative.

Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink Director, said: “Metrolink’s dedication to accessibility has been recognised nationally, but this is a great example of the efforts we go to at a local level to consider the needs of passengers who need a little bit more support.

“It’s been really rewarding to work with such a fantastic establishment and to be able to build up a great relationship with the team at Redwood over the course of delivering the town’s new Metrolink line.

“Today’s travel training event completed the circle ahead of Monday’s launch and I hope the students enjoy travelling on the network, with confidence, long into the future.”

Lynda Reddish, Independent Travel facilitator at Redwood Sixth Form, said: “Students enjoyed a presentation given by Metrolink staff and practical training sessions on the new link between Rochdale Railway Station and the new interchange.

“The completion of the Metrolink will expand the options for the 16 students who currently travel independently and those who are on the Independent Travel Programme.”