More frequent off-peak trams are set to be introduced from next week, but passengers are warned there is set to be some disruption on the Metrolink network over the summer. 

From Monday 5 July, trams will run at least every 12 minutes across the network all day, which transport bosses say is a "significant enhancement" to the current 20-minute off-peak frequency.  

A six-minute service will also operate on the busiest lines at the busiest times, while later running trams will once again be in place across the weekend. 

Transport for Greater Manchester say the changes are the next step towards returning to a 'normal' pre-pandemic service and are in response to a rise in the number of leisure trips being made, with increased demand also expected when step four on the government's roadmap for easing restrictions is set to proceed on 19 July.

A spokesperson for TfGM said: "With patronage growing at different rates across the region, the changes will be closely monitored, and a flexible approach to the use of double trams will be maintained to ensure they run where they are needed most. All available trams will be put into service, including the new ones as they are commissioned." 

Safety measures will remain in place - including hand sanitiser dispensers at the busiest stops, enhanced cleaning, flexible ticketing options, dedicated ‘trambassador staff’ and TravelSafe Partnership ‘days of action’. 

'We will monitor our passengers' travel patterns closely' 

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “While patronage is still someway off pre-pandemic levels, our traditionally busier lines are the ones where we are seeing the biggest increases and these changes not only mean we can cater for this demand now, they enable us to meet future growth.  

“We will monitor our passengers’ travel patterns closely and continue to be flexible in our approach, ensuring our services and trams support people as they return to work, the shops, bars and restaurants and major events.”  

On average, around 60,000 trips are being made on Metrolink every day, compared to around 125,000 a day pre-pandemic, whereas the numbers of people using the region’s roads has almost returned to ‘normal’ levels (c5m every day compared to 5.4m before March 2020).  

Mr Vaughan added: “It’s no surprise that car use has outstripped public transport during the pandemic, as people were actively discouraged from using our buses, trains and trams.   

“Like other operators, we have worked hard to ensure Metrolink is as safe as possible for people to use and the measures we have introduced, coupled with the ongoing investment in infrastructure mean we can provide frequent and reliable services and give people the confidence to switch back from their cars – something that’s really important as we look to reduce the number of car trips being made in order to cut congestion and improve air quality for us all.”   

Passengers are also being warned about a series of improvement works taking place across the network this summer, which will result in some short-term closures. 

The key works include: 

• The closure of the Eccles line (19 July – 1 August)
• Closure of Victoria tram stop (31 July – 9 August; 14 – 16 August and 21 – 23 August) - resulting in no tram services between Monsall and the city centre, Abraham Moss and the city centre and between Victoria and Piccadilly
• Track replacement at Piccadilly Gardens (31 July – 6 August) - resulting in services on other lines terminating at Deansgate-Castlefield and Piccadilly

As a result, residents, workers and visitors are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance.

Bus replacement services will be in place and staff on hand at key stops to help passengers. 

Further information about timetable changes is available at www.tfgm.com/metrolink-timetable-change.