Quays Lib Dems Advocate for Enhanced Sunday Tram Services in Salford Quays

Recent data from the Bee Network indicates a significant uptick in Sunday ridership, with usage increasing by approximately 25%. Consequently, trams are operating at 85–90% capacity during peak times, occasionally reaching full capacity. This surge has also led to extended waiting times, with passengers experiencing delays of 10–15 minutes on average.

These statistics underscore a pressing issue: the existing Sunday tram services are struggling to accommodate the growing number of passengers, leading to overcrowded conditions that compromise both safety and comfort.

Councillor Heilbron has formally inquired about the measures the Council plans to implement to address these capacity challenges. The key points of the inquiry are:

• Concrete Steps: What specific actions will the Council undertake to alleviate the current capacity issues on Sundays?
• Service Enhancements: Is there a plan to increase service frequency or introduce double trams to better serve the community's needs?
• Implementation Timeline: What is the projected timeline for these improvements to be realised?

This inquiry aligns with recent developments aimed at enhancing public transportation across Greater Manchester. Notably, in January 2024, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) introduced a revamped Metrolink timetable to meet increasing demand. This update included more frequent and extended services, with late-night trams running until 1 am which was implemented following a motion passed by the Liberal Democrats back in 2023. on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, double trams were deployed on the Altrincham-Etihad Campus and Bury-Piccadilly lines to accommodate higher passenger volumes.

Councillor Heilbron emphasises the importance of extending similar enhancements to the Eccles/MediaCityUK line on Sundays, to ensure that Salford Quays residents and visitors experience safe, reliable, and comfortable tram services."