Drivers ‘cower in cabs’ from ‘lawless thugs’
ACONCERNED tram driver claims ‘lawless thugs’ terrorising the Metrolink line to Rochdale at night are causing drivers to ‘cower’ in their cabs as they pass certain areas.
He said gangs of youths were using trams from Oldham to Rochdale as a ‘free taxi service’ and told of nightly attacks and vandalism.
The experienced driver branded them ‘lawless thugs’ and told out sister paper the M.E.N.: “Antisocial behaviour on the Rochdale line has reached unacceptable levels. It is a scary place to be at night.
“Drivers are genuinely scared for their own safety and the kids are running wild. A lot of drivers cower in their cabs when they reach specific areas and we have young women drivers up there past midnight.”
The driver, who we have agreed not to identify, said the latest rock attack on the driver north of the Derker stop in Oldham was ‘only a matter of when, not if’.
“Sound bites are all well and good but we want action to protect us,” he added.
He singled out areas from Failsworth up to Rochdale, including Derker, Shaw, Newbold and Rochdale town centre, as specific problem areas.
Metrolink bosses say they are listening to staff, working with police and ‘tackling anti-social behaviour head on’.
The driver added: “Youngsters use the tram service as a free taxi ride between areas. They never pay.
“In late evenings generally in the Rochdale area it is just a lot of kids that use the services.
“I have come across all sorts – missiles thrown at trams and verbal abuse.
“There have been threats and I know of several drivers that have been kicked and spat at.
“It is literally every evening that something happens and it is getting to the stage where the line is untenable.”
Metrolink said ‘proactive and highly-visible’ patrols would be in place, along with covert patrols.
The police, tram operators and transport bosses are currently working to legally obtain powers to ban repeat offenders from the Metrolink network.
Tall fences and spiky plants have been introduced to certain trackside areas to stop access.
TfGM’s head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said he understood and shared drivers’ worries.
“This matter is being treated with the seriousness it warrants and I know the operator is actively listening and responding to the concerns of their staff,” he said.
“We are resolute in our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour head-on and I hope the numerous steps we take every day are a reflection of that.
“TfGM alone cannot solve this problem. It is one that requires a multiagency approach – which is the approach we are taking – but also the support of the community.
“I’d actively encourage people to think about where their children are and what they might be doing and would ask anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report it.”
“It is a scary place to be at night”