Home | Metrolink Introduction | Stops: updated 14 September 2007 | pages list
There are two distinct types of stop on Metrolink. These are the former railway stations, on the Altrincham and Bury lines, and the street stops in the City Centre and on the Eccles line.
All stops have a public address system, Metrolink Control make passenger announcements when services are disrupted. Closed circuit television permits control staff to see what is happening on the stops. For public and staff safety the images are continuously recorded. Each platform was provided with an emergency call point, painted Metrolink green, to enable passengers to speak to control. These are they are being repalced by help points painted orange. A staff telephone is also provided at this point. Route maps and general information are provided on each platform.
Metrolink stops are not staffed. Tickets for travel on the day are bought from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs). There are at least two at each stop with additional TVMs provided where demand is high.
On former railway stations, the lighting was upgraded and the electrical and telecommunications wiring was completely renewed. Where existing station buildings could not be modified, prefabricated equipment rooms were provided. Station canopies matching those at city centre stops were provided where required.
Platform edges designed for main line train operation can give vertical and horizontal gaps up to 200mm from tram floor level. To reduce phase one conversion costs, each platform had an 8m long level access zone provided. These were in a position corresponding to the level access area of city centre profiled platforms.
During the last few years some platforms have been reconstructed in subsequent upgrade work. As part of the 2007 upgrade works, the remaining platform edges were rebuilt, giving level boarding with a minimum gap over the length of a double tram.
On street stops need to be as unobtrusive as possible and to provide the smallest possible barrier to pedestrian and vehicle circulation. Most stops have a full length and height platform.
City centre stops at Mosley Street and St. Peter’s Square, where space is limited, have the profiled platform design. For a single tram the centre doors, those on each side of the articulation, have level access. There is a slight step down from the other doors. A retractable step on the second of two coupled units automatically operates with all doors, enabling passengers to step down to the lower part of the profiled platform. Ramps with a nominal 1:20 gradient connect high, low and street levels. The street tracks alongside platforms were constructed 150mm lower than existing street level, thus the low level platforms are about 300mm above existing pavement level.
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This page was written by Tony Williams, Manchester Area Officer, Light Rail Transit Association. Contact manwebm@lrta.org if you have any comments, ideas or suggestions about these pages.