Greater Manchester's tram replacement buses are 'not fit for purpose', according to commuters facing three weeks of disruption during a major track upgrade. One passenger reported a journey from Oldham to Eccles taking two hours and 40 minutes on Wednesday night (July 15), nearly three times the usual one-hour trip.
Delays and Long Waits
The replacement services, which run on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Centre Metrolink lines, have been plagued by delays. Despite Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) stating that buses should run every 12 minutes at peak times, some passengers have waited up to 45 minutes. At Portland Street, one commuter noted that only one Eccles line bus arrived in 45 minutes, while Altrincham and Chorlton services were also infrequent.
Social media users voiced frustration, with one asking: 'why are there gaps of 30/40 mins?... Totally unacceptable.' Another said: 'You really need to get it sorted. Some people are waiting 40 minutes and you said every 12 minutes.' The Bee Network cited 'operational issues and road closures' for the delays.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The disruption has forced some passengers to take taxis, with prices reportedly rising. Local businesses near affected tram lines have urged people to still visit, but commuters say the difficulty of the journey is a deterrent. The works, described by TfGM as the 'biggest track upgrade project to date,' are expected to continue for three weeks.
In a statement, Danny Vaughan, TfGM's Chief Network Officer, said: 'This is the biggest track upgrade project we’ve done for years on the busiest part of the network. We know it’s disruptive - we’re sorry and thank everyone for their patience while we get on with this essential job.' He added that replacement buses 'can never match the frequency, capacity and speed of the trams' and that TfGM is working to bring more vehicles into the region.
Alternatives and Advice
TfGM suggests using the Bee Network app to find alternative routes, taking regular Bee Network buses, trains, cycling or walking. However, commuters argue that communication about the actual frequency of replacement buses needs improvement. One passenger noted that the Bee Network app did not show the next two timed services, leaving them unsure when a bus would arrive.
As the works continue, many are opting to avoid the replacement services altogether. The incident has raised questions about the reliability of the Bee Network, which is promoted as a key part of Greater Manchester's public transport system.
