Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is offering free 20-minute journeys on Starling bikes as compensation for the closure of three Metrolink lines. The Altrincham, Eccles, and Trafford Centre lines have been shut since June 13 for a £150m upgrade to replace track more than 30 years old. The work is scheduled to finish on August 2.
Free Bike Travel Details
Every day, passengers can pick up or drop off a Starling bike in Firswood, Chorlton, or Salford Quays and receive 10 minutes free each way, totaling 20 minutes. New cycle lanes in Stretford, Chorlton, and Salford have been promoted to encourage active travel. Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “We know that this vitally important work on the Metrolink will have a big impact on passengers and we apologise for the disruption. We’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead by using the journey planner on the Bee Network app or website.”
Replacement Services
Alongside the bike offer, replacement buses are operating on affected routes. No trams run on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre, and Eccles lines, including to MediaCity. The East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines terminate at Firswood, with replacement buses calling at affected stops. Regular Bee Network buses are available for £2 using Tap and Go. Vaughan added: “We also offer accessible alternatives to the tram, with all our Bee Network buses meeting accessibility standards while older and disabled people can use Ring and Ride.”
Passenger Impact
The closures have caused significant disruption. One passenger reported a journey from Oldham to Eccles taking one hour and 40 minutes. Vaughan acknowledged the inconvenience: “There’s never a good time to close parts of the network, but while services are suspended during the warmer summer months, why not give active travel a go?”
