Local rail group criticise metrolink service changes

Rochdale Metrolink

Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester Railway Lines Group has criticised changes to the Oldham/Rochdale Metrolink service.

The Exchange Square tram stop is set to open on Sunday 6 December; this will allow an additional service to begin on Monday to Saturday between Shaw and Exchange Square providing a six-minute frequency service between Shaw and Victoria during "peak" periods (broadly 07.00-19.00 on Monday to Friday, 09.00-18.00 on Saturdays).

Metrolink is changing the Sunday service to the inconvenience of travellers on the Oldham/Rochdale line.

On Sundays they have chosen to split the Rochdale-Ashton service (from the 08.15 from Rochdale until the 16.35 from Rochdale) so that there will be separate Rochdale-Exchange Square and Victoria-Ashton services. Hence anyone wanting stops beyond Victoria (including Piccadilly Station) will have to change at Victoria.

Support the Oldham Rochdale Manchester Railway Lines Group (STORM) Secretary, Peter Dawson said: “Whilst we fully support the opening of Exchange Square stop as part of the new Second City Crossing project we are sure that the Sunday changes will not be welcomed by local travellers, especially those going to Piccadilly Station. 

“It is unforgivable that Metrolink has not made this major change clear.”