The Trams are coming Salty!!

At long last Frank the Trams are coming to Newhey /Rochdale!

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/77999/next-stop-rochdale

The trams are coming. Though how long will it be before they are not running because there is a snowflake or a leaf on the tram line, or it is to cold for the trams to work.

It will be interesting to see what excuses will be used for the trams not to run at some stage.

Nice bit of positive thinking there TP.

Bumped into a couple of folk from Shaw at Hollingworth Lake last week, we were discussing the new tram line at Shaw and they both said "they don't work in the frost you know"....I thought they were joking but, possibly not.

teamplayer2 wrote:The trams are coming. Though how long will it be before they are not running because there is a snowflake or a leaf on the tram line, or it is to cold for the trams to work.

It will be interesting to see what excuses will be used for the trams not to run at some stage.

Well you will just have to wait and see. So you wont be using them then anytime soon I assume judging by your negative comments already even though its not running.

Personally I cant wait. I've watched the Newhey station being built from the comfort of my house. Been 3 plus years since we have had a connection to the outside world. I shall be on one of the first trams next Thursday (28/2/13) and my wife is all ready to get a season ticket. Judging by how packed the Tram leaving the nearest stop, Shaw,
a lot of people agree with me. I will be using it too at weekends instead of my car every so often. Or when I'm off out to Manchester. Don't have to worry about parking etc or being a designated driver.

Just a shame it wont be going to Middleton! Although I have heard that may happen one day. Perhaps take a spur off from Heaton Park and drop down into Middleton.

Whilst I doubt a major economic benefit to Rochdale from the tram there is no doubt that as a transport service to greater Manchester they have been a success. Millions of car journeys would otherwise have been made and notwithstanding "frost" they have proved to be very reliable.
I would like to see the line run through from Rochdale to Heywood and on to Bury which would complete the loop. I doubt it but here's hoping.
One thing common amongst the threads on this forum is that when a new venture in Rochdale is proposed there appears to be an overwhelming desire by some contributors to ensure that it fails. I don't understand why.

For Rochdalians, since once tram stop is outside Rochdale station and the other is in Manchester Victoria, what is the difference in fare?

By the way, the train takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on stops. I believe the tram is somewhat slower.

I guess it depends where you live? I do not live close to a train station but the tram stop at Kingsway will be ideal for me, and certainly faster than the bus.

Yes Poppy it did happen one day that some trams had to stop because the weather was to cold. It was in the news late last year. It is great the trams are back on track and about time.

I was just commenting at the times they will not work and the daft excuses they come out with.

johnb wrote:For Rochdalians, since once tram stop is outside Rochdale station and the other is in Manchester Victoria, what is the difference in fare?

By the way, the train takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on stops. I believe the tram is somewhat slower.

Well when Im on the Tram on Thursday Im going to see how much time is at each stop to see if the time between certain stops (and all stops for that matter) is the 15-20 mins that you refer too.,

Not been out for 3 years Chill37.

teamplayer2 wrote:Not been out for 3 years Chill37.

LOL

Of course. I meant on the train/tram line. I know they have done a lot , but it is delayed now. So roll on next week.

I agree with Past It. Let's have the trams here in Heywood.

Have they future plans to extend to Heywood?

I have used the Metro from Bury since the day it began - at all times of day and season. The only time I have not been able to get on at my stop in Market Street was when there was a 'medical emergency' on board at the bus station. All I had to do to go to Eccles or Altrincham was to walk to Piccadilly or for Bury to walk to Victoria. The messages at the Market St stop were clear and the minor stoppage was only for about 30 mins - I know because I went and had a coffee rather than walk to Victoria. I can't wait for the service to run to the Airport!

teamplayer2 wrote:Have they future plans to extend to Heywood?

There are no plans that I am aware of. I think it makes good sense to close the loop so to speak and connect with Bury. There are no major obstacles in the way as far as I can see.

If they could link up to Heywood Past It. It would help for Chill37 to get out a bit more.

past it wrote:

teamplayer2 wrote:Have they future plans to extend to Heywood?

There are no plans that I am aware of. I think it makes good sense to close the loop so to speak and connect with Bury. There are no major obstacles in the way as far as I can see.

Apart from the obvious one they the line belongs to East Lancs Railway and must stay as a heavy rail line so that ELR maintain their link to the main line.

Also, the connection between Metrolink and ELR has had a brand spanking new shopping precinct built across it. I know this would not stop Rochdale, but I would hope they have more sense in Bury.

mary ann wrote:I have used the Metro from Bury since the day it began - at all times of day and season. The only time I have not been able to get on at my stop in Market Street was when there was a 'medical emergency' on board at the bus station. All I had to do to go to Eccles or Altrincham was to walk to Piccadilly or for Bury to walk to Victoria. The messages at the Market St stop were clear and the minor stoppage was only for about 30 mins - I know because I went and had a coffee rather than walk to Victoria. I can't wait for the service to run to the Airport!

I know what you mean. Only a few years left now. There is already track down on the route to the Airport.

johnb wrote:

past it wrote:

teamplayer2 wrote:Have they future plans to extend to Heywood?

There are no plans that I am aware of. I think it makes good sense to close the loop so to speak and connect with Bury. There are no major obstacles in the way as far as I can see.

Apart from the obvious one they the line belongs to East Lancs Railway and must stay as a heavy rail line so that ELR maintain their link to the main line.

Also, the connection between Metrolink and ELR has had a brand spanking new shopping precinct built across it. I know this would not stop Rochdale, but I would hope they have more sense in Bury.

I wasn't thinking of the Metro using the ELR line. I would like to see a new track along the road between Rochdale Heywood and Bury. The ELR connection to Castleton most of which is owned by the ELR or more specifically RMBC needs to stay separate to enable a commuter line between Rawtenstall and Castleton.

Chill37 and Past It.

Mind you if they could come up with a plan to somehow link the trams with the ELR line or run beside it this could be a great for the area in the long term. How they would do it I do not know and best left to those in the know how.

Though your thinking is brilliant and a great idea. I wonder if more could take it on board for the future or would the planning and the finance be to great. It could be explored in more detail in the future and a more positive outlook for the area.

One solution is to use Rail Trams. These are trams that are more study and can run on main rail lines (unlike the current ones which run on track laid specially for them) this means its an easier to switch from City track to main line track. Could easily run along the exsiting line and then come off onto areas like Middleton and Heywood etc.

They should get you in the planning department Chill37.

teamplayer2 wrote:They should get you in the planning department Chill37.

I wont get in. I have common sense and willing to listen to all ideas, comments instead of slapping people down and pushing the application through.

Very true Chill37. Being undemocratic seems to be the way of Rochdale these days.

Anyway better not stray away from the subject of the trams.