More frequent trams will be included as part of some big timetable changes being made to Greater Manchester’s Metrolinknetwork this summer.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed the introduction of more off-peak services from next week – as the network experiences increased use.
From Monday 5 July, Metrolink trams will run at least every 12 minutes all day – cutting off-peak wait times by eight minutes on average.
A six-minute service will operate on the busiest lines at the busiest times.
From Monday 5 July we are introducing more frequent off-peak trams to cope with increasing demand.
A six-minute service will also operate at peak times on several lines towards the city centre.
— Manchester Metrolink 🚊 😷 (@MCRMetrolink) June 27, 2021
TfGM said the timetable changes were being made as more people continued to take “leisure trips” across the region.
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Passenger numbers remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, however. On average, around 60,000 trips are now being made on the Metrolink every day, compared to around 125,000 a day before COVID.
The network is also set to maintain a “flexible approach” to the use of double trams across the network dependent on where “they are needed most”.
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Safety measures such as hand sanitiser dispensers at the busiest stops, enhanced cleaning, flexible ticketing options, and ‘trambassador staff’ will remain in place.
Metrolink is set to run more frequent services to cope with increased demand / Image: TfGM
Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “While patronage is still someway off pre-pandemic levels, our traditionally busier lines are the ones where we are seeing the biggest increases and these changes not only mean we can cater for this demand now, they enable us to meet future growth.
“We will monitor our passengers’ travel patterns closely and continue to be flexible in our approach, ensuring our services and trams support people as they return to work, the shops, bars and restaurants and major events.”
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Vaughan added: “Like other operators, we have worked hard to ensure Metrolink is as safe as possible for people to use and the measures we have introduced, coupled with the ongoing investment in infrastructure mean we can provide frequent and reliable services and give people the confidence to switch back from their cars – something that’s really important as we look to reduce the number of car trips being made in order to cut congestion and improve air quality for us all.”
Further information about the Metrolink timetable changes is available online.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
28th June 2021 
