First Manchester

[Brickmill]

RE: First Manchester

(26/02/2019 10:48)gilesbus1 Wrote:  I think in terms of integration we are looking at two different things here, there are two types of Metrolink Services those that serve old railway lines that tend to be quick, but tend not to be close to main roads, and those which tend to be slow and run along main roads and are restricted by strict speed limits put in place.

Buses and trams could more closely work together, lets not forget when the trams ended buses took over they didn't compete with one another over direct routes.

Of course anything is open to debate and planning. Some bus services are needed because they reach places un-accessible to trams and also can operate more flexibly that said though were riders are diminishing something needs to be done either to get riders riding again or to cut out waste, that doesn't necessarily mean the bus service is withdrawn equally the tram service could be cut back so you have a situation were buses and trams work alternate journeys with integrated ticketing which might be to more people's benefit, or alternatively at the end of networks buses go onward's to estates offering alternative travel options, and also serve at the same time as a town service, or bus services change to serve other areas currently poorly or un-served. Busways might make another solution in that they cost a fraction of the cost of a new tram line yet can come off their tracks and run along the road so there is no need to change vehicles in anyway.

I think its all an open question.

I don't know if anyone can confirm but didn't "proper" suburban trams have stops much closer together than LRT? Also, the massive capital cost of Rail means there is no way any cuts in service levels will be tolerated. You are right to differentiate between the original Phase 1 Metrolink replacing existing Rail through relatively high car ownership areas, and Phase 3+