One of the easiest and quickest ways to travel in certain parts of Manchester is its tram system the Metrolink. It connect all of the city centre railway stations apart from Oxford Road. The tram has three lines outwith the city centre. It goes out to Heaton Park and Bury in the north, down to Old Trafford, Sale and Altrincham in the south and Salford Quays and Eccles in the west. There is also a free connecting shuttle bus to the Trafford Centre from the Stretford stop. Whether it is culture (the Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North), sport (Old Trafford football and cricket grounds), or shopping (hte Trafford Centre, Lowry Outlet Mall or the wonderful market at Bury) there is something for everyone along the Metrolink line.
How much does it cost?
Some people complain about the price of the Metrolink but I think it is very reasonable especially if you use it off peak after 9.30 in the morning. A return from Stretford to the city centre off peak is only £2.40Beforehand it is £3.30. This is much cheaper than the bus. The only time I would use the bus instead of the tram off peak is if I was planning a single journey. Single tickets seem to be a con and are often as little as 10 pence cheaper than the return.
The frequency between trams is one of the best things about the Metrolink. If running smoothly before 7pm on weekdays the trams are 7 minutes apart. At off peak periods during the evenings, Sundays and bank holidays the trams run 15 minutes apart. This is great. Even when there are delays the time you have to wait is reasonable. I have found only a few times that I have given up on waiting for a tram. This is usually if there are problems with the track. I once had to wait about twenty minutes in a tram in Altrincham station as the computer network that controls the trams was down). If there is a big problem with the tram system they will lay on buses but I think this has only happened once in the two years of regularly using the Metrolink. . The trams run just about every day of the year from about 6am to late. I think the last tram leaves the city centre at quarter to midnight on a weekday and about an hour later at the weekend. Unless you are a clubber or a person with very strange shift patterns the Metrolink caters for everyone.
It sounds good, so is it quick? Yes most of the time it is ultra speedy. It only takes about ten minutes to get into the city centre from Stretford. In comparison the bus takes well over twenty minutes depending on the traffic. The only time it goes slowly is in the city centre where you can just about walk faster than the tram but it certainly gathers speed as it leaves the City behind.
?Generally I find the trams are not too dirty. I would say the standard of cleanliness beats buses. Comfort on the tram depends on the time of day you are traveling and also what is happening around the City Centre. Avoid the trams during rush hour and if there are any events on at the football and cricket grounds. I used to commute via the tram and I would not recommend it. I found most mornings I was squashed into an area that a battery hen would feel claustrophobic in, right by the doors and pressed like sardines into the armpit of someone who has never ventured into Boots in their life. If you can get a seat it is pretty comfortable. The seats are similar to standard bus seats. I would try not to get a seat where the tram carriages join, as it can be a bit jerky when the tram turns.
You can buy single day tickets from vending machines situated on station platforms. These are relatively easy to use and not usually out of order. When buying them I would make sure you had change first as they only give £7 change maximum and they can be funny about notes. They do no take coppers either. You cannot buy the tickets on the trams themselves. The weekly and monthly passes can be bought at selected newsagents, post offices; some railway stations an all GMPTE offices. Remember to buy you ticket and do no think that you can get away without buying one (although I must admit I have gone without a ticket once or twice). Ticket inspectors do spot check and there is a fine if you do not have a ticket.
Is it suitable for disabled people?
GMPTE has provided access to the stations with ramps and lifts. However i would not say the trams thmselves would be that suitable unless the tram was quiet. There are spacest for wheelchairs and pushchairs but as stated during peak periods these would be filed up with commuters standing.
So would I recommend the Metrolink?
Yes I would. It is quick, reliable, and fairly reasonable. However if you are commuting from not too far away I would use the bus as it is cheaper and usually less crowded.