The carriage of bicycles on the Metrolink network is to be trialled as part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network. While folding cycles carried in bags are currently permitted, other bicycles are not, and TfGM is seeking to undertake a pilot trial to test the safe carriage of bikes and non-standard cycles on off-peak tram services. It is proposed that volunteer cyclists will take their bikes on trams, sampling different routes and stops at different times of the day and days of the week. Consideration will be given to the space required to transport bikes alongside passengers, also taking account of the existing challenges of accommodating bikes both on trams and on the wider Metrolink network, including at stops and transport interchanges.
Stadler has completed work on the redevelopment of Gosforth Depot, in conjunction with the modernisation of the Tyne & Wear Metro system, in preparation for the introduction of the new Class 555 Metro train fleet later this year (see page 12). The £70 million depot is purpose-built to maintain the new fleet and will also manage the maintenance of the existing Metrocars, which will eventually be replaced by the new 46-strong Class 555 fleet. The facility, which has been built on the site of the former 100-year-old Gosforth depot, has been designed to a high specification to ensure maximum availability and reliability of the Metro train fleet.
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