Ashton passengers to see double the number of services

ASHTON Metrolink passengers are to get a major boost - with services doubling to every six minutes from next year.

Currently, trams on the Ashton line run every 12 minutes, meaning passengers are often left waiting at the platforms.

But at a meeting organised by transport watchdog Transport Focus and during a discussion on satisfaction levels, Metrolink boss Aline Frantzen revealed they would bolster the frequency from January.

The move was among the pledges made by operator KeolisAmey when they took over the franchise last year.

Aline, managing director at KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), said: “We’re on schedule to begin running a six-minute service on the Ashton line from early 2019.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to improve connectivity with East Manchester and Tameside and all it has to offer, and the work we’re doing will contribute to other work by TfGM in that part of Greater Manchester, such as the new transport interchange at Ashton.

She added: “Increasing the frequency of trams on the Ashton line was part of KAM’s commitment to TfGM in becoming the operator of Metrolink so we are delivering on what we said we would do.

“Along with the immediate benefits to current customers with more trams, more capacity and the ability to make their journeys more flexibly, it will bring wider benefits to nearby communities. This includes supporting Greater Manchester’s clean air and congestion plans.

“Careful planning has gone into this and we’ve worked with TfGM and local authorities to achieve it.”

Work began in June to upgrade Ashton Bus Station to a £32.7m ‘transport interchange’ aimed at making it easier to change between trams and buses.