News
Metrolink delays as man hospitalised after being hit by a tram
Trams are currently not running via Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens or Shudehill
All tram lines running through Manchester City Centre are currently being hit with delays following a ‘police incident’ in Piccadilly Gardens.
Images from the scene show a number of police and ambulances, whilst commuters are saying they are facing travel delays.
Reports from witnesses in the area say that all trams have been halted in Piccadilly Gardens. This has since been confirmed by Metrolink this morning.
The tram network operator said an “ongoing disruption” at Piccadilly Gardens was the cause for delays and that a number of service changes would be taking place as a result.
Metrolink tweeted: “Due to an ongoing disruption at Piccadilly Gardens, there are a number of service changes taking place on all lines running through the city centre.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Updates so far from Metrolink refer to delays on the Bury line, with Metrolink advising services travelling in both directions between Victoria and Bury are affected.
Metrolink has also reminded customers they can use their tickets on a number of commercial bus services this morning.
More to follow…
Update – trams now running through Piccadilly Gardens, but serious delays elsewhere
Trams are now up and running throughout the city centre however there are still delays on the Bury and Eccles lines as a result of this morning’s tragic incident in which a man was hit by a tram.
Update – man, 43, hit by tram and rushed to hospital
Police have confirmed that a man was hit by a tram this morning around 7.35 am and has since been taken to hospital. His injuries are not currently being reported as life-threatening.
A statement from GMP said:
“Police were called around 7.35am today (November 3) to a report of a collision involving a tram and a pedestrian in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester.
“A 43-year-old man has been taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life threatening or changing.
“Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests were made.
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or via our LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk quoting incident 497 of 03/11/21. Alternatively, details can be passed via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
News
Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
Read more:
Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
News
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
- Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
- Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
- If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
- Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
- Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
- Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Read more
Featured image: The Manc Group
The Manc -
3rd November 2021 
